Exodus 14:19–15:11 is a profound passage in the Bible that recounts the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the song of praise that followed. It is a beautiful source of inspiration for a morning prayer. Let’s explore this passage and craft a heartfelt morning prayer based on it.
Exodus 14:19–15:11, 20-21 (NIV): “Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night, the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD:
‘I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.
The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh’s officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone. Your right hand, LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, LORD, shattered the enemy.
In the greatness of your majesty, you threw down those who opposed you. You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble. By the blast of your nostrils, the waters piled up. The surging waters stood up like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’
But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
In your unfailing love, you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength, you will guide them to your holy dwelling. The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia. The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, the people of Canaan will melt away; terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of your arm they will be as still as a stone—until your people pass by, LORD, until the people you bought pass by. You will bring them in and plant them on the mountain of your inheritance—the place, LORD, you made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, Lord, your hands established.
The LORD reigns for ever and ever.'”
Morning Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
As I rise to face a new day, I am reminded of the miraculous events recorded in Exodus 14:19–15:11. Just as You parted the Red Sea to make a way for Your people, I trust that You will make a way for me in the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
You are my strength and my defense, just as You were for the Israelites. You are the One who shatters the enemy’s plans and leads us in triumph. Lord, as I step into this day, I place my trust in You and in Your mighty power.
May Your presence, symbolized by the pillar of cloud and fire, go before me, leading me on the path of righteousness. Keep me safe from harm and guide my steps.
I join in the song of praise from Exodus, declaring that You are my God, highly exalted and majestic in holiness. Your unfailing love surrounds me, and in Your strength, I find my refuge.
Lord, as I go about my day, help me to remember this powerful testimony of Your faithfulness. Just as You led the Israelites to their promised land, lead me in the way of truth and righteousness. May I be a vessel of Your love and grace to those I encounter.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
In this morning prayer, we draw inspiration from the miraculous events of the Exodus to express trust in God’s guidance, strength, and faithfulness as we face the challenges of a new day. It serves as a reminder of His power and a declaration of our reliance on Him.