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If we were able to study the lives of the majority of Christians today, we would probably find a common thread. While so many talk about prayer, in actual practice the situation is different. Prayer is not so much a priority for them as it is merely a matter of personal choice. Not a conviction! Rather a matter of convenience!

There are far too many people today who make little or no effort to come to terms with the need to really pray. They choose to ignore the most astonishing and challenging teaching which God has given to us in His Word which focuses on the essential role of prayer.

The Prophet Jeremiah states in prayer to the Lord, "Ah Lord God! Behold Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and Thy stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee” (Jeremiah 32: 17). The Lord responded, "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh, is there anything too hard for Me?" (Verse 27).

The Lord Jesus states so emphatically, "With God all things are possible!" (Matthew 19:26)There is nothing which is too hard for God! In fact, ALL things are possible with Him! These statements speak to us of an incredible dynamic spiritual dimension which most of us know very little about!

Why is this the case? It is reported that John Wesley made the statement: "God never does anything, except in answer to prayer!" There could be many people who would believe that such a claim is too strong. It is too general.

Yet, is it really too strong? Or, could it be possible that this statement so clearly defines the reason so many people today see such little evidence that God is at work in power... especially in their lives.....in their service?

Prayer has been so widely ignored and neglected. The importance of prayer has been minimized. The power of prayer has been disregarded and therefore....from beginning to end, the Bible reveals that prayer is of the utmost importance to God! No sincere person who reads the Bible and who honors its message would even think of arguing with that.

What has gone wrong? We are going to seek to study the crucial place which prayer had in the life and service of Moses. As we do so, we will discover what has, in fact, gone wrong today. Even as we will find so clearly and decisively revealed the solution which God has provided to deal with everything which has gone wrong.

Moses entered the scene at a time of great and desperate need for the people of Israel. This fact is so clearly revealed in Exodus 1: 22, "And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive!"

The words, "his people," refer to the Israelites whom Pharaoh was attempting to bring into abject subjection to his authority. His method being to reduce them to the most dehumanizing condition of slavery.

What a total change this was from the period when Joseph wielded such effective influence in the court of Egypt. God had used Joseph to warn the man who was then pharaoh of the impending disaster of the seven years of severe famine.

Pharaoh's gratitude to Joseph had been so great, the effects of that gratitude lasted for almost one hundred years. The Israelites had benefited so extensively, but the time came when Joseph died!

The passing of the following years saw two interrelated developments. First, "And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them" (Exodus 1:7). From being a very small group of less than one hundred people, they had in fact become a strong and influential nation living within the borders of Egypt. They were a power to be reckoned with!

The second development: "Now there arose a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph!" (verse 8) It is quite probable that this new pharaoh was a part of a new dynasty. This man was intent on securely establishing himself in his position of power and authority in Egypt. He "knew not Joseph!" Joseph's name no longer carried any weight within the courts of Egypt. His memory had ceased to wield influence. There was neither respect nor gratitude for him nor for all that he had done for Egypt.

The new attitude marked a stark contrast. This new pharaoh was motivated by suspicion and fear. He saw the Israelites as a very serious threat to the security of the nation of Egypt. Therefore, an unacceptable threat to his power. In fact, he exaggerated the danger! "The people of Israel are more and mightier than we. Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore did they set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens" (verses 9, 10, 11).

It was in this way that the Israelites experienced a total reversal of the attitudes with which the Egyptians treated them! Every aspect of the relationship become totally negative. Yet "the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew" (verse 12). As a result, Pharaoh decided that more severe measures were required. Thus he issued the order to the Hebrew mid-wives that when the Hebrew women gave birth to a child: "If it be a son, ye shall kill him!"(verse 16)

This marked the introduction of the policy of deliberate genocide! It was a policy which was doomed to fail because the mid-wives refused to comply with Pharaoh's decree. Pharaoh realized that his latest attempt was being thwarted, so he proceeded to issue another decree: "Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive" (verse 22).

This particular order had two objectives: 1) to clearly and most forcefully assert the power and authority of Pharaoh over the Israelites. 2) to demonstrate the superiority of the gods and the religion of the Egyptians compared to the faith which the Israelites had in the Lord.

The Nile River was regarded as being sacred by the Egyptians. They also looked on the crocodiles which were so plentiful in the river as gods! It was a common practice among the Egyptians to throw children into the river as sacrificial offerings to the sacred crocodiles. Thus Pharaoh's decree combined genocide with compelling the Israelites to offer their children as sacrifices to the gods of Egypt.

It is against this background which we need to consider the developments which are recorded in the second chapter of Exodus. If ever God's intervention on behalf of His people was needed, it was at this time. If ever God needed a praying people to whom He could respond, it was during these tragic developments.

"And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months."

The tribe of Levi was to become the source from which the Lord would draw the spiritual leadership of His people. Particularly the priesthood which were intended to play such a significant role. There are very clear and strong indications that this couple, Amram and Jocabed, were people who knew the vital secrets of maintaining a close personal relationship with the Lord.

When this baby boy was born to her, Jocabed responded to her new and great responsibility with a most dramatic demonstration of courageous faith. "When she saw that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months." She knew so well that Pharaoh had issued the decree which meant that, by law, she was required to throw him into the river where he would be taken by the crocodiles. Therefore she knew that she would be deliberately breaking the law as she attempted to hide and protect her son.

She also knew that Pharaoh would act with the utmost severity with both her and her husband if they were caught attempting to conceal their son. She was deliberately risking all of their lives! Why did she do it? Why did her husband, Amram, permit her to do it?

They did fear Pharaoh! Yet, they also feared the Lord! They feared the Lord with the holy reverent fear of true faith which knew they must honor the Lord above man...no matter who that man happened to be! Theirs was a reverence of the utmost devotion to the Lord! It was this reality which made this most dramatic difference.

It is in this incident we see in practice the reality of the Biblical principle: "The fear of man bringeth a snare, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe" (Proverbs 29:25).

It was a time of great crisis for the people of Israel. The Lord was seeking for someone whom He could use to stand in the gap. He found His answer in this couple who were people of prayer...who were genuinely devoted to Him...who fully depended on His faithfulness.

He is still seeking for such people. Even if it is only one such person! One man! One woman! One who in the midst of the turmoil of crisis will fully trust Him! Who, when others yield to the panic of fear, turn once more to prove the power of prayer.

"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment." (Hebrews 11:24).

It is this dramatic testimony which reveals so decisively the fact that Amram and Jocabed were people of prayer. The key: "By faith!" They believed in God!

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them which diligently seek Him!" (Hebrews 11: 6)

They had a choice. They could allow Pharaoh to intimidate them to the extent that all they would see was the immanent danger...all they could hear were his blood-curdling threats. Or, they could continue to keep their eyes on the Lord. They could continue to listen in faith to His Word of promise. They deliberately chose to focus their attention on the Lord...seeing Him who is invisible...believing His Word...being confident in His faithfulness.

It is at this very point that so many Christians have real problems today. We are more inclined to focus our attention and thoughts on the threats and the danger which appear to confront us.

When the Lord Jesus came walking on the water to the disciples, Peter asked permission to go to Him, also walking on the troubled waters. Jesus gave him permission as He invited, "Come!" Initially, as Peter stepped out of the boat, he had his eyes on the Lord. He started to walk on the water, but then he was distracted by the danger which appeared to be all around him, threatening to engulf him. He was distracted. He no longer looked to Jesus. He focused his attention on the threat of the storm surrounding him. It was then that he began to sink! In fear and panic he called to the Lord to save him.

Amram and Jocabed were "walking on the water" in he midst of a most violent storm! The violent turbulence of Pharaoh's vicious decrees and actions was raging all around them. But "they were not afraid of the king's commandment!" Their eyes were on the Lord. They were listening to His Word. They were living out, moment by moment, all that was involved in living the life of prevailing prayer.

These were two very courageous people of genuine faith. Their prayer of faith was so obviously inspired and guided by the Lord. We watch them as they obeyed the letter of the law. Yet at the same time they effectively denied the intention of the law!

"And when she could no longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein, and she laid it in the flags at the river's brink."

For three months the baby had been carefully concealed. Yet, with the passing of each day, the possibility of discovery grew stronger, increasing the grave danger the family was in as the result. Like all of the Hebrews, they were under the constant supervision of the Egyptians. They were subjected to the dictatorial authority of Pharaoh who was determined to have his own way. It did not matter how evil nor how detrimental the results could be.

These precious parents kept holding on to the Lord in prayer. As the danger increased, their anticipation that their Lord would faithfully guide them also increased. He did not fail them. He gave to them a most unexpected answer: Obey Pharaoh! But, obey him -- GOD'S WAY! Pharaoh had issued the decree that these baby boys were to go into the river. Then put this child into the river -- according to the clear direction of the Lord!

It was the Lord's leading which Jocabed followed as she took the ark of bulrushes. She made quite sure that it was watertight. She prepared the ark with deep love and tender concern. It was to hold her precious son! This was God's answer. Because it was God's answer, it would work! He never fails.

There may have been many people who, had they known what she was doing, would have dismissed her hopes and actions as foolish and futile. It would never work! People are still like that today...especially those who have little experience in the place of true prayer. Such people do not understand the quiet unassailable confidence of the prayer of faith.

"She laid" her baby in the ark in the very same water in which the Egyptians sacred crocodiles were swimming! The world would dismiss such an action as both totally foolish and completely fanatical. But, the world remains ignorant of the vital living reality of prayer. It has no experience of the triumphs of faith!

How inspiring and humbling this action was. It appeared as though the baby was placed in such close proximity to the crocodiles that the outcome was inevitable. Jocabed knew that the outcome was inevitable. Yet she was believing for a totally different outcome!

Watch as she carried the ark of bulrushes to the edge of the water. Watch as she places it with its precious cargo. Where? What do we see? What did she see?

She knew that she was placing her precious baby safely in the hands of God! She did not have to consider the river. The crocodiles were never a threat! She was fully convinced in God's leading. Her precious little boy was left safely in the hands of her God...the God she knew and loved! She had received her guidance from Him in the place of prayer.

Remember this testimony: "My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me!" (Daniel 6:22)

Lions! Crocodiles! It makes no difference. She had trusted her precious son to the safety and security of the hands of God. God always honors such devoted faith. God always, willingly, accepts such responsibility. God never fails! Never!

Faith knows God never fails! There is no reason for fearful apprehension. Faith sees the absolute security of the strong hands of the Almighty God! Faith looks confidently up into His face, and joyfully praises His sufficiency.

Miriam was only a girl. Yet her parents entrusted her with this important task. It was a great responsibility. A glorious privilege!

In this fact also we see clear evidence of the faith and prayers of the parents. This decision was not made according to mere human reasoning. It was quite definitely the result of the direction which the Lord had given to them in the place of prayer. Amram and Jocabed would never have asked Miriam to stand there and watch him if they thought that she would witness her baby brother being taken by a crocodile.

Eighty years later, when Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt, they were pursued by Pharaoh and his army. Humanly speaking, the Israelites faced the ominous and inescapable threat of certain death. Moses saw ... God! "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord!" (Exodus 14:13)

When you have done all you can... when you have faithfully obeyed the Word which He has spoken to you in the place of prayer... then... stand still! Expect to see God work in mighty power!

What a great privilege this was for Miriam. To stand there... watching... waiting... expecting to see God intervene in power... in victory... in deliverance!

It is this life of faith and victory to which God calls each one of us. We are invited to share in the privilege as we gladly meet in fellowship with Him in the place of faith and prayer.

Amram and Jocabed were living out the Biblical principle: "The just shall live by faith!" Their faith made them people of prayer. The principle stated by Wesley challenges us: "God never does anything, except in answer to prayer!"

They had prayed so earnestly. Now, they waited on the Lord in faith. They could have had no idea how God would move to effectively answer their prayers.

"And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river's side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it."

What an astonishing development! It was so completely unexpected! Neither Amram nor Jocabed could have had any idea that Pharaoh's daughter would have been coming to the river that particular day. Nor that she would be the one who would find their little boy.

What thoughts would have flooded into the mind of Miriam as she watched these events unfolding. This was none other than the daughter of the evil man who had ordered that all of the baby boys of the Israelites be thrown into the river!

God knew that Pharaoh's daughter would come there this day. God knew that she would see the ark and find the baby inside it. God was moving in exciting power to accomplish His perfect plan and purpose.

"All things work together for good with them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8: 28).

But, we would hasten to point out, this was the daughter of the man who ordered the slaughter of the children! God knew that! He also knew: her!

"And when she opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children."

God was moving in answer to the prayer of faith. He made no mistakes. He makes no mistakes! He knew all that was in the heart of Pharaoh. He also knew what was in the heart of Pharaoh's daughter. What an astonishing contrast is revealed here.

God had chosen the right instrument! "She had compassion on him!" She immediately recognized that he was one of the Hebrews' children. She also knew exactly what her father's decree demanded.

"She had compassion on him!" In response to the prayer of faith, God answered in this most surprising and exciting fashion. When God moves in answer to the prayer of faith, everything is right. Everything!

This vital principle is still in force today. Whenever God moves in answer to the prayer of faith, everything He does is always right. Everything He allows is always right. Every possible detail fits in with His perfect purpose. We can trust Him to always make it work out in that way.

The Lord's plan was moving forward, step-by-step. He already made sure that Miriam was in the right place at the right time. She watched as these surprising events unfolded. She quickly identified the compassion in the attitude of Pharaoh's daughter. Also, in the way she spoke the words, "This is one of the Hebrews' children."

"Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?"

God was ready. He had the right person in the right place at the right time! Thinking the right thoughts! Saying the right words! This was all part of God's answer even as it revealed His prepared provision to answer the prayer of faith.

It was the Lord who gave to Miriam the insight and the understanding which was far beyond her years! How else could she have discerned in the compassion expressed by Pharaoh's daughter the fact that she had already decided to adopt this baby? She did correctly discern that fact! "Nurse the child: for thee!"

God was effectively at work in and through the lives of both Miriam and Pharaoh's daughter. His careful preparation as well as His working in mighty power were in answer to the prayer of faith!

This is Pharaoh's daughter! She is willing to defy her father's decree! Doing so to save this Hebrew boy ... to make this boy her own son!

It is so very thrilling to see God at work. Like this incident, all of His answers to the prayer of faith always inspire our wonder! Our praise! Our worship and adoration!

Amram and Jocabed had prayed so urgently. They were faced with an incredible dilemma. The Lord had entrusted to their care the life of this very precious child. Yet Pharaoh was so obviously determined to destroy him. In faith they placed their son in the hands of God. God so gloriously honored their faith in Him. They were to watch in wonder as they witnessed God work the most thrilling miracle!

It is certainly not hard to imagine something of the thrill of excitement which must have filled Jocabed's heart when Miriam ran home and explained all that had happened at the river... especially when she told her mother that Pharaoh's daughter had sent for her. Motivated by joy and faith, Jocabed went to personally experience the most glorious answer to her prayer.

"And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it!"

This is a most inspiring and thrilling development. Jocabed was a woman of great personal faith and prayer. She had so faithfully done all she could to protect this precious son which God had entrusted to her. When she could do no more, in faith she placed her son back into the hands of God!

What did God do in response to such devoted faith and prayer? He took that precious child, and placed him back into the loving arms of that praying mother! In addition, God made sure that the child was fully protected against Pharaoh's cruel decree. Now Pharaoh's daughter claimed this boy as her own son!

What a thrilling demonstration of the matchless grace and wisdom of our great God! He did all this! He did it all in answer to the prayer of faith! 'God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we could ever ask or think.' (see Ephesians 3:20) He does it all... in answer to the prayer of His people!

Prayer is the vital key! How long has it been since we as Christians today experienced any joy similar to the great joy which so filled the hearts of Amram and Jocabed? God so wonderfully honored their faith! He so gloriously answered their prayers!

Our Lord does want us to personally experience this same great joy as we develop a deeper fuller fellowship with Him in the place of prayer.

"And the child grew" in the home where prayer was such a vital factor... where faith was taught both by word and by example. He grew physically and spiritually under the gracious influence of these praying parents. This period of his life was to prove to be so vital in the long years ahead of him.

It was in answer to prayer that God was able to ensure that he would have this most beneficial environment. This home where God was always central and preeminent... where daily there was continually the fellowship of faith and prayer. It was in this home where he learned those vital principles which were to play such a vital role throughout the rest of his life. There he learned to apply in a personal practical way the principles of faith and prayer.

Then, at the time agreed upon, "She brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he become her son. And she called his name Moses."

All the years which followed, the years of living in Pharaoh's court, could not counteract the influence and teaching of those praying parents. The years of thorough Egyptian education and training as the son of Pharaoh's daughter could not undo the spiritual truth learned at the knee of a praying mother!

God worked so gloriously! He worked gloriously in answer to the prayer of faith! God has not changed! We can see God work gloriously, even today! All God does, He does in answer to prayer!

If we would really see God at work gloriously today, at work in power, then we must learn the lessons of applying ourselves in the place of prayer. Do so: Diligently! Sacrificially! In faith! In devotion! Believing our God still does hear and answer prayer!