Today’s Reading, Isaiah 36-39
Focal Scripture: Isaiah 38:2-3 “Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord. He said, “Please, Lord, remember how I have walked before you faithfully and wholeheartedly, and have done what pleases you.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.”
Prayer is not talked about enough in our Christian circles. Far too often prayer is far down the list of priorities for both individual believers and in corporate worship. However, prayer should be our first thought. Prayer should be what we long for daily. Our prayers should be heartfelt and passionate.
In today’s reading we see that Hezekiah prayed earnestly a few times. He first prayed earnestly when he and his people were threatened with destruction. He prayed for wisdom and for what to do next. The Lord answered him and told him that the blasphemers would be taken care of swiftly. Then Hezekiah prayed earnestly because his life was about to end. Death was imminent.
Hezekiah prayed not for his life but that the lord would remember his life. How he walked with the Lord, was obedient to the Lord, and did what pleases the Lord. Hezekiah’s prayers were heartfelt, raw, and honest. He did not hold back his emotions or his words. When he prayed he acknowledged God for who he is and that he was the only one who could change the circumstances.
The implication for us is to pray this way. When we are in trouble, pray. When life is difficult, pray. When everything around us is falling apart, pray. Hezekiah could recall his past faithfulness. He believed that God would do a work.
Is prayer our default, if not it should be. Here is a powerful man he sought God in prayer. He knew where to go to for help. In his anguish and bitterness he relied on God. These are the types of prayers the Lord hears. Heartfelt, passionate, and honest prayers. Prayers that come from knowing God is the only one who can save.
Let us make prayer a priority in all we do. It will change everything around us and in us.
Tomorrow I Plan on reading Isaiah 40-44
