The Prayer of Moses

Song: O Worship The King

Scripture: Psalm 90

The psalm of Moses is a majestic prayer of a mature man that contrasts the transitoriness of man with the eternal existence and power of God. It has all the elements of a model prayer.

Thanksgiving (vv. 1-2). God has been a refuge or hiding place for the faithful in all generations. He is the “I Am,” meaning that He not only exists from “everlasting to everlasting,” but that He is present to help and to save.

Praise and Adoration (vv. 3-6). Moses is in awe of God’s power and eternal existence. Man returns to the dust at God’s command. He is like a flower that blossoms in the morning and lives for a day. But a thousand years pass by like yesterday to God, like the brief patrol of a night watchman.

Confession (vv. 7-12). Being the last of the adult generation that left Egypt, Moses had seen an entire people “consumed” by God’s anger. And yet he confesses, “Who understands… Thy fury, according to the fear that is due Thee?” Moses understood the heinousness of sin. He mourned over the wretchedness of his people.

Supplication (vv. 13-17). “Make the days of our rejoicing equal to the days of our wanderings,” was Moses’ prayer. I’m sure Moses would be satisfied with an eternity of glory for forty years of trials. God has certainly looked with favor on the petition of His servant. And He will ours, when we pray like him.

Jason Moore