⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 4 min read
Prayers in Ruth: Lessons in Intercession and God’s Grace
By Tom Sigmura
Part of the “Discipline and Power of Prayer” Series at Servants of Grace
One of the best ways to learn how to pray is by listening to the prayers of others. Children learn from godly parents and older saints in the church. New believers are encouraged in prayer meetings. And all believers are continually shaped by the prayers recorded in Scripture. In this way, the prayers in Ruth offer powerful examples of intercession and God’s faithful responses. As Murray Gow writes, “The author of Ruth expected readers to be alert to the work of God in answering prayer, as should we today.”[1]
Prayers in Ruth: A Mother’s Intercession for Her Daughters (Ruth 1:8–9)
“Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The LORD grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!” (Ruth 1:8–9)
Naomi petitions Yahweh to show covenant kindness (hesed) to Ruth and Orpah and prays for their rest and future marriages. Even in deep sorrow, Naomi’s intercession flows from faith in the Lord’s providence.
Application Insight: Intercede for your loved ones. Pray for their rest in the Lord, their marriages, and spiritual safety. Thank God for His loyal love and the people He’s placed in your life.
A Man’s Prayers for His Future Wife (Ruth 2:12; 3:10)
“The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” (Ruth 2:12)
“May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first…” (Ruth 3:10)
Boaz blesses Ruth with prayers rooted in gratitude and admiration. He invokes God’s covenant name and recognizes the spiritual refuge Ruth seeks. Later, he praises her loyalty and godly character.
Application Insight: Husbands and single men, pray for your (future) wife’s blessing and flourishing. Thank God for her virtues. Praise her often. Let your prayers reflect your deepening knowledge of God’s covenant love.
A Mother’s Prayer for Her Child’s Spouse (Ruth 2:20)
“May he be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!” (Ruth 2:20)
Naomi sees God’s providential hand in Boaz’s kindness and prays for him as a redeemer. Her intercession is saturated with hope in God’s Word and promises.
Application Insight: Parents, begin praying now for your child’s spouse. Ask the Lord to raise up a godly, kind, and faithful companion for them—and to prepare your heart to welcome them in love.
A Community’s Prayer for Godly Families (Ruth 4:11–12)
“May the LORD make the woman… like Rachel and Leah… and may your house be like the house of Perez…” (Ruth 4:11–12)
The community blesses Ruth and Boaz’s union, praying for fruitfulness, legacy, and faithfulness. Their intercession reveals a corporate responsibility for godly households.
Application Insight: Pray for families in your community. Ask God to grant them strength, fruitfulness, and Christ-centered marriages. Reflect on your parenting, and encourage others by lifting them up in prayer.
A Prayer for Grandparents (Ruth 4:14–15)
“Blessed be the LORD… He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age…” (Ruth 4:14–15)
The townspeople bless Naomi for God’s redemption through her grandson Obed. They affirm Ruth’s faithfulness and rejoice in God’s restoration.
Application Insight: If you are a grandparent, praise God for His faithfulness in your family. Pray for your grandchildren to be blessings to others, and for your children to raise them in the fear of the Lord.
Conclusion
The prayers in Ruth record six intercessory moments—each calling upon Yahweh’s name, each answered with sovereign grace. Whether in grief, hope, marriage, or legacy, the people of Ruth’s day prayed with faith in God’s hesed. May their example compel us to pray boldly for our families, spouses, children, and community—with confidence that the Lord hears and answers in His perfect timing.
👉 Want to grow in your prayer life? Explore more from our series, The Discipline and Power of Prayer: View the full series here.
Footnotes
- Murray Gow, “Ruth,” in Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Survey, ed. Kevin J. Vanhoozer (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008), 106.
- “Rest” (Ruth 1:9) is linked to the “still waters” of Psalm 23:2. A godly husband imitates the Good Shepherd’s care (John 10:14–15).
- The narrator intentionally leaves “whose kindness” ambiguous—highlighting both Yahweh’s and Boaz’s acts of hesed.
Tom Sugimura pastors New Life Church in Woodland Hills, CA. He trains church planters, international pastors, and biblical counselors. He has also authored two books, Hope for New Dads and God’s Answers to Life’s Most Difficult Questions. He and his wife, Amanda, are busy raising four rambunctious children.
