After the Israelites’ sin with the golden calf, the LORD told Moses that they could go ahead to the promised land, but the LORD would not go with them (3). Moses knew this was not the right way, so he turned to God in prayer. He also led the people to pray and had them remove their ornaments to show their genuine repentance (6). Because of his close relationship with God, prayer for Moses was like speaking with a friend (11). It can be the same way for us in Christ.

Before he asked the LORD to do anything, Moses’ first prayer request was to know God, and to learn

his ways so that he could be worthy to lead God’s people (12-13). The LORD was pleased with this prayer and gave Moses a promise of his presence and his rest (14). This grace emboldened Moses to pray for even more—to see God’s glory (18). This is indeed the greatest gift anyone can receive. No one can receive this gift fully while in the flesh (20), but God honored Moses’ request by providing a way for him to partially view God’s glory (21-23).

It is good when life’s problems lead us to pray. God ultimately wants to use all problems in our lives to lead us to a deeper personal relationship with him.
Application: Father, thank you for leading me to pray, even when it sometimes takes a crisis. Teach me your ways and let me see your glory as much as I am able.
One Word: Pray to know God