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Read: Exodus 15
Listen: Exodus 15

This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. January’s focus is Prayers of Praise.

“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.” Exodus 15:2

Israel has just escaped the Pharaoh’s grip and the Egyptian’s pursuit. The Red Sea shines behind them, a watery grave for their enemies. The Israelites stand on the opposite shore, in awe of God’s mighty hand to rescue them and judge their oppressors. They respond with fear of the Lord and trust in him (Exodus 14:31). Their first act as a rescued people is to sing praise to the Lord for their salvation. They praise God’s strength, power as a warrior and his rescue. They can’t help but sing of his unfailing love that leads and guides them as his redeemed people.

Just as the Lord rescued his people from Egypt’s power, he has rescued us from sin and death through Jesus Christ. We were enslaved to sin, helpless to free ourselves from guilt, shame and sinful patterns. We faced spiritual death and separation from God. But through faith in Jesus’s death and resurrection, God rescued us and brought us into his family. We are forgiven, loved and given new life. No matter what else is happening, we can always praise God for this greatest rescue. When we feel overwhelmed, praising God for our salvation anchors us in what is most true. It reminds us that the God who saved us is faithful and powerful to carry us through every trial.

TODAY: In your journal or mobile device, write a prayer of praise for how God has rescued you from sin and death and saved you through the blood of Jesus. Write out specific ways you’ve seen his rescue and praise him for his mighty power to save.