ABSTRACT
Later Moses, too, prayed to God. After Israel had made a golden calf to worship, Moses begged God to forgive them for this sin (Exod. 32:31-32). Joshua also turned to God for help. When the Israelites went to conquer the city of Ai, their attack was repulsed; in desperation Joshua prayed to God for help in defeating Israel’s enemies (Jos. 7:7). Later in the prophetic books, the prophets also offered personal prayers to God, as did the Psalmist and others. This tradition of prayer continued after the canonization of Scripture, and as a consequence prayer has constantly animated the Jewish spirit. Through personal encounter with the Divine, Jews have been consoled, sustained, and uplifted.
