Moses is one of the most important figures in the Bible. Known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt, parting the Red Sea, and receiving the Ten Commandments from God, Moses’ journey was full of challenges. But through every hardship, he turned to God in prayer. His prayers are not only heartfelt but also powerful examples of how to trust in God during difficult times.
In this article, we will explore 7 powerful prayers of Moses and the amazing stories behind them. Each prayer shows Moses’ deep faith and his relationship with God, teaching us valuable lessons that we can apply to our own lives today.
Who is Moses?
Moses was called the man of God (2 Chronicles 3:16). Notice that he was described as “the” man and not just “a” man of God.
While everybody can be a man of God, there is a unique distinction when you are called as “the man of God.”
The Bible tells us that Moses found favor in God’s sight (Exodus 33:17)
He was faithful in all God’s house as a servant (Hebrews 3:5). And he was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3).
Moreover, the Lord spoke to him face-to-face, as a man speaks to his friend (Exodus 33: 11).
Moses died at the old age of 120. However, his vision was clear, and his strength did not decrease (Deuteronomy 34: 7).
The Bible attests that there is “none like him for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel” (Deuteronomy 34: 10-12, ESV).
7 Powerful Prayers of Moses
Prayer is the breath of our soul. There are dire moments in our lives that cannot be solved by our own might. And all we are left to do is to surrender in prayer.
We often hear that “Prayer does not bring God to man, but man to God.” Moses understood this and even more! His relationship with Him is based on his clear understanding of God’s character. And he often capitalized on this relationship to intercede between God and his people.
These amazing stories would make us reminded of what God can do for His children who trust Him and obey.
1. The Prayer at the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-10)
We already know that the burning bush was a turning point in Moses’ life. However, let’s dig deeper into why this prayer was so significant. Before this moment, Moses had fled Egypt and lived in the wilderness as a shepherd for 40 years. He probably thought his days of being involved in anything significant were long over.
But God had different plans. He appeared in the form of a burning bush, a symbol of His power and holiness, to call Moses to lead His people out of slavery. This was not just a casual conversation; it was a divine appointment. Moses’ simple response, “Here I am,” was more than a reply—it was an act of surrender.
What We Learn:
When Moses says, “Here I am,” he opens himself up to God’s will. This simple statement shows us that, even in our ordinary, everyday lives, we must be ready for God to call us. Sometimes, we may feel insignificant or hidden away, just as Moses likely did while tending sheep. But when God calls, our response should be one of openness and readiness to serve, even if we feel unprepared.
Moses’ Initial Hesitation:
Despite his willingness to listen, Moses questioned whether he was the right person for the job. He prayed, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” This shows Moses’ humility, but also his fear. He didn’t think he was capable, and perhaps he was haunted by his past mistakes, like killing the Egyptian years before. Yet, God reassured him, promising that His presence would go with Moses.
Connection to Our Lives:
Many of us feel unqualified for the tasks that God places before us. We may feel insecure, unsure, or even afraid. But Moses’ prayer and God’s response show us that it’s not about who we are, but about who God is. Our confidence should come from knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
2. The Prayer of Moses for Help in Performing Miracles (Exodus 4:1-17)
Moses’ second prayer is also about doubt, but this time it’s about whether others will believe in him. Moses worried, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” He feared rejection, not only from Pharaoh but also from his own people. In response, God gave him signs to prove that He had sent Moses.
God demonstrated His power through the staff turning into a snake, Moses’ hand becoming leprous and then being healed, and the promise of turning water from the Nile into blood. These were visible, undeniable signs that God was with Moses.
The Importance of Signs and Wonders:
In the Bible, miracles often serve as confirmation of God’s presence and authority. These miraculous signs were not just for Moses’ benefit but were intended to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh of God’s power. However, despite these miraculous signs, Moses still felt unqualified. He prayed again, this time focusing on his weakness in speaking.
Moses’ Prayer for Eloquence:
Moses said to God, “I am slow of speech and tongue.” Moses believed his speech impediment would prevent him from being effective. Yet God reminded him that He created the mouth and could equip Moses with the ability to speak.
How This Relates to Us:
We often focus on our weaknesses, thinking that they disqualify us from being used by God. Moses’ prayer teaches us that God isn’t limited by our weaknesses. In fact, He often chooses the weak to demonstrate His strength. When we pray about our shortcomings, we should also be ready to receive God’s power to overcome them. In Moses’ case, God provided Aaron to speak on his behalf, showing that God will give us the support we need.
3. The Prayer at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-18)
The crossing of the Red Sea is one of the most dramatic events in the Bible, and it’s a powerful example of God’s deliverance. When the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Egyptian army and the sea, they were terrified. They cried out in panic, and Moses, though also facing the same danger, turned to God in prayer.
God’s Response to Fear:
Interestingly, in this situation, God told Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.” This shows that there are times when action, fueled by faith, is necessary. Moses had prayed, but now it was time to trust in God’s instruction and move forward.
The Miracle of the Red Sea:
Moses raised his staff, as God instructed, and the waters of the Red Sea parted. The Israelites crossed on dry land, and when the Egyptian army pursued them, the waters closed back, drowning them.
How We Can Relate:
When we find ourselves in impossible situations, surrounded by problems on all sides, we often feel paralyzed by fear. Moses’ prayer shows that in moments of crisis, we should turn to God. However, once we’ve prayed, we must also act in faith, trusting that God will make a way. Whether it’s a difficult decision, a financial crisis, or a health issue, God can part the “seas” in our lives and lead us to safety.
4. The Prayer for Water in the Wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7)
After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites began their long journey through the wilderness. It wasn’t long before they faced another challenge—there was no water. The people were thirsty, and they began to grumble against Moses. They were so frustrated that they even considered stoning him.
Moses, desperate and unsure of what to do, cried out to God in prayer: “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”
God’s Provision from a Rock:
In response to Moses’ prayer, God instructed him to strike a rock with his staff, and water flowed from it. This miracle provided for the physical needs of the Israelites and demonstrated God’s ability to provide in the most unlikely ways.
Lesson on God’s Provision:
This prayer teaches us that when we are in need, we can cry out to God, and He will provide. Sometimes, His provision comes from unexpected places. Who would expect water to come from a rock in the middle of the desert? But God is not limited by circumstances. No matter how desperate the situation, God can supply all our needs.
5. The Prayer of Intercession for the Israelites (Exodus 32:9-14)
One of the most significant prayers of Moses is his intercession for the Israelites after they sinned by creating and worshiping the golden calf. While Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the people grew impatient. They asked Aaron to make a god for them, and he created a golden calf, which they began to worship.
When God saw this, He was furious. He told Moses that He was ready to destroy the Israelites and start a new nation through Moses. But Moses, in an incredible act of humility and love, interceded for the people. He prayed, asking God to spare them and to remember His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Moses’ Boldness in Prayer:
Moses’ prayer is bold. He didn’t just accept God’s judgment; he pleaded with God to show mercy. He reminded God of His promises and even argued that if God destroyed the Israelites, the Egyptians would mock Him, saying He brought the people out of Egypt only to destroy them.
God’s Response:
In response to Moses’ prayer, God relented and did not bring the disaster He had threatened. This shows the power of intercessory prayer—praying on behalf of others. Moses’ prayer saved an entire nation from destruction.
How We Can Apply This:
Moses’ prayer of intercession teaches us about the importance of praying for others, especially when they have fallen into sin or made bad decisions. Instead of being quick to judge, we can stand in the gap, praying for God’s mercy and grace to be extended to them. Our prayers can make a significant difference in the lives of those we care about.
6. The Prayer for Guidance in Leading the People (Exodus 33:12-23)
As Moses continued leading the Israelites through the wilderness, he often prayed for God’s guidance. One of the most touching prayers of Moses is found in Exodus 33, where he asks for God’s presence to go with them on their journey to the Promised Land.
Moses prayed, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Moses understood that without God’s presence, the Israelites wouldn’t succeed. They had faced so many challenges already, and Moses knew they couldn’t afford to go on without God leading them.
God’s Assurance:
In response to Moses’ prayer, God promised, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” But Moses wasn’t satisfied with just knowing God would be with them. He wanted more. Moses boldly asked God, “Show me your glory.”
Seeing God’s Glory:
God honored Moses’ request, but with a condition. He allowed Moses to see His back, because no one could see God’s face and live. This experience gave Moses a deeper understanding of God’s holiness and power.
Application in Our Lives:
Moses’ prayer for guidance is a reminder that we should always seek God’s presence in every aspect of our lives. Whether we’re making big decisions or facing difficult challenges, we need to rely on God to guide us. Moreover, we should never be afraid to ask for more of God’s presence. Like Moses, we can pray to experience more of His glory in our lives.
7. The Final Prayer of Blessing (Deuteronomy 33:1-29)
As Moses’ life drew to a close, he prayed one last prayer over the people of Israel. This prayer is recorded in Deuteronomy 33, where Moses blessed each of the twelve tribes of Israel. He prayed for their future, asking God to protect, guide, and bless them as they entered the Promised Land.
This prayer is not only a reflection of Moses’ love for the people he led for so many years, but it’s also a testament to his faith in God’s promises. Moses knew that even though he would not enter the Promised Land himself, God would remain faithful to His covenant with the Israelites.
A Legacy of Faith:
Moses’ final prayer is a beautiful example of leaving a spiritual legacy. He had spent his life serving and leading the Israelites, and now, as he prepared to pass away, he blessed them and entrusted their future to God.
How We Can Follow Moses’ Example:
Moses’ final prayer encourages us to pray blessings over others, especially those we care about. Whether it’s family, friends, or our community, we can pray for God’s protection, guidance, and provision over their lives. Moses’ prayer reminds us that our prayers can leave a lasting impact, even after we’re gone.
The Leadership and Faith of Moses in Prayer
Throughout his life, Moses demonstrated incredible leadership, but his strength as a leader didn’t come from his abilities alone—it came from his relationship with God. Moses knew that he couldn’t lead the people without God’s help, and so he constantly turned to prayer.
Each prayer Moses prayed reflected different aspects of his relationship with God:
- Humility: Moses never assumed he had all the answers. He always sought God’s wisdom and guidance, whether he was standing before Pharaoh or leading the Israelites through the wilderness.
- Boldness: Despite his humility, Moses was not afraid to ask God for big things. He boldly asked God to part the Red Sea, to provide water from a rock, and to show His glory. His prayers show us that we can approach God with confidence.
- Intercession: Moses didn’t just pray for himself; he prayed for the people he was leading. When they sinned, he stood in the gap, asking God to forgive them. This shows Moses’ selflessness and love for the people.
- Trust: Even when things were difficult, Moses trusted that God would come through. Whether it was providing food and water in the desert or leading them to the Promised Land, Moses knew that God’s promises would never fail.
The Impact of Moses’ Prayers on Our Lives Today
The prayers of Moses are timeless examples of how to seek God in every situation. They teach us about the power of prayer in moments of doubt, fear, and need, as well as the importance of praying for others and seeking God’s presence in our lives.
Moses wasn’t perfect—he had fears, doubts, and weaknesses just like us. But what made him an extraordinary leader was his dependence on God through prayer. His prayers changed the course of history, not only for himself but for an entire nation.
We can follow Moses’ example by making prayer a central part of our lives. When we face challenges, we can turn to God, knowing that He listens and will answer. Whether we are asking for guidance, strength, provision, or forgiveness, Moses’ prayers remind us that God is faithful and always present to help.
