How does Moses' prayer in Exodus 9:33 demonstrate effective intercessory prayer today? The Setting: One Verse, Many Lessons Exodus 9:33: “So Moses left Pharaoh, went out of the city, and spread out his hands to the LORD. Then the thunder and hail ceased, and no more rain fell upon the land.” Key Observations from Exodus 9:33 • Moses departs Pharaoh’s presence—he separates himself from the source of rebellion. • He goes “out of the city”—choosing a place of unobstructed fellowship with God. • He “spread out his hands to the LORD”—a posture of dependence and surrender. • Immediate, visible answer—hail, thunder, and rain stop at once. Principles for Effective Intercession Drawn from Moses’ Example 1. Separation for Concentration • Stepping away from distraction (Pharaoh, palace politics) models Matthew 6:6—private, undivided communion with God. 2. Humble Posture, Bold Petition • Upraised hands (Psalm 141:2) express both helplessness and confidence in God’s power. • Hebrews 4:16 encourages the same bold access for believers today. 3. Alignment with God’s Purpose • Each plague served God’s redemptive plan; Moses prays in harmony with that plan, not against it (Exodus 7:5). • 1 John 5:14-15 affirms answered prayer when requests align with God’s will. 4. Advocacy for Others • The prayer benefits even Egypt’s hardened king and people—an Old-Testament picture of “making intercession for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1). 5. Expectant Faith • Moses acts as though the storm will stop—and it does (James 5:16-18 echoes this cause-and-effect dynamic). Practical Steps to Pray Like Moses Today • Find a focused space—physically leave the “noise of Pharaoh” (phones, emails, pressure). • Adopt a posture that signals surrender—hands raised, knees bent, or face bowed. • Anchor requests in revealed Scripture—pray promises that advance God’s kingdom agenda. • Stand in the gap for others—name individuals, communities, even opponents (Ezekiel 22:30). • Pray with expectancy—record specific petitions and watch for concrete answers. • Persist despite resistance—Moses interceded multiple times through the plagues; keep coming until breakthrough arrives (Luke 18:1-8). Encouraging Biblical Confirmations • Numbers 12:13—Moses’ brief cry cures Miriam instantly. • Deuteronomy 9:18-19—extended fasting delivers Israel from imminent judgment. • Acts 12:5-11—church intercession frees Peter from prison, mirroring the sudden cessation of Egypt’s storm. These passages reinforce that the God who answered Moses still responds decisively to earnest, aligned, faith-filled intercession today. |
    |