Moses: A Man of Prayer

By Dean Collins

What names come to mind from the scriptures when you think of Bible characters who were known for their prayers? Jesus? Paul? David? The scriptures record many prayers from these three, along with many references to them going off to pray or reminding or teaching others about prayer. There are many powerful prayers of recorded by Mary, Hannah, Elijah, Solomon, and others. It is clear that the one who walks with God also talks with God often.

But I bet that Moses probably didn’t come to mind when you thought about Bible heroes or leaders and the topic of prayer. We tend to think of Moses mostly as the leader who led the Israelites out of slavery and to the promised land. There are many chapters about the life of Moses in the first five books of the Bible and lots of references elsewhere. The highlight reel of Moses’ life includes his floating down the river in a basket, being rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter, being raised as royalty, and escaping from Egypt after someone saw him kill an Egyptian. Then, of course, the confrontation with Pharaoh, the 10 plagues, the parting of the sea, the escape to the wilderness, and the 40 years that followed.

As you think about Moses and read through his journey, we actually see Moses in frequent conversation and prayer with God. One of the psalms is attributed to Moses. Psalm 90 is called “A prayer of Moses, the man of God.” Some scholars think Moses wrote the prayer, while others think it was written for or about Moses and his prayer to God. Moses was indeed a man of prayer!

In Psalm 90, we find beautiful language that describes God and his role in creation, along with his constant provision for his creation. We also find a clear picture and understanding about mankind. And finally, we hear the plea of Moses as he asks God to allow his favor to rest upon his children.

Here is what Moses reminds us about the Lord:

·      He is our dwelling place in every generation.

·      He was here before creation, and he formed the world.

·      He is everlasting and eternal.

·      God’s timeframe is different: “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.

And what do we learn about mankind from this prayer of Moses?

·      God created us out of the dust of the earth. 

·      Our time is short, but we are renewed daily by God.

·      We are sinful through and through, and we sin often.

·      Seventy to eighty years is a pretty good run in God’s thinking.

·      Our time on earth is filled with turmoil and trouble (Jesus told us the same, by the way).

And what did Moses ask of God on behalf of his children?

·      That God would teach us to number our days so that we gain a heart of wisdom.

·      That God would have mercy on his children.

·      That God would satisfy us in the morning with his steadfast love.

·      That God would give us gladness for as many days as we have suffered.

·      That God’s glory be shown to us and to the world.

·      That the favor of God would be upon us.

·      That God would establish the work of our hands.

So, did God answer the prayers of Moses? Of course, and he continues to do so every day.

Because of the great mercy and love of our Father in heaven, he sent his only son Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Because of Jesus, we stand forgiven. We are daily transformed into the image of Christ. As the redeemed of the Lord, we experience God’s presence daily and are his agents and ambassadors in the world today.

Father, thank you for the reminder of the prayer life of Moses. We come before you this morning with gratitude that the prayers of our spiritual ancestors continue to be answered in this moment. Help us to understand that we are a part of the eternal prayers that come before your throne today and will live on for generations to come. Thank you for your steadfast love that woke us up this morning. We pray that you would establish the work of our hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 90:1-17 ESV

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
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