BECAUSE YOU PRAYED...TO ME

The subject of prayer has been popping up all over the place in my daily devotions, some lessons that I’ve read before, some that I don’t remember (even though I have read my Bible through many times) and some that taught me new lessons that I missed the first time.

Anyone who knows me at all, (oh, I know, I say that all the time!) knows that the story of Hezekiah is on the top of my favorites list as far as Bible stories are concerned. A long time ago, I learned to take his example to heart, and have spread many ominous letters, legal papers and family matters upon my bed as I knelt and called upon the Lord.

Now, about a week ago, reading the story anew of the frightening letter delivered from King Sennacherib, a fresh, so welcomed message came to me. I’ve always been deeply impressed with the Hezekiah’s prayer and God’s awesome answer, but I don’t remember the message that God told Isaiah to give to him. “Because you have prayed to Me….” Of course, I’m aware that we are supposed to pray for God’s help and of course I have been the recipient of God’s many answers; but, God explicitly tells him that because he prayed, He was going to answer. What an inspiration to pray!

God makes it crystal clear through His Word that He seeks people who understand His desire to do great and mighty things for them, for His kingdom. I continue to make notes in my Bible every time someone prays and God answers specifically. It propels me to bring my requests to Him. Such a lesson, however, also sets the enemy in motion for he does not want us to connect with God, to figure out that God desires intimate co-laboring together with His people.

One more thing. Hezekiah’s prayer time with God was deliberate. Although God answers our prayers on the run, such as Jehoshophat’s cry to God in battle, there are times when seeking a spot to be alone with our Great God is important. Certainly, the king could have cried out to God, letter in hand, as he hurried off to a meeting of the court, but instead he specifically went to a place away from his frightened officers and constituents, away from the jaunts of the enemy, a place of solitude where He could “spread the letter” before the Lord…he went immediately to the house of the Lord.

Did God know what the letter said? Did He already know Hezekiah’s need? Would He have destroyed the Assyrians had there been no desperate prayer from Hezekiah? Some would say “yes.” I say, it was because Hezekiah went to God for help. Perhaps he was remembering the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the temple. “If” the people would turn toward the temple and bow their knee and pray, “then” God would hear from heaven and answer their prayers.

What does God say in Jeremiah? Call unto Me and I will answer! Read the story of Hezekiah in Isaiah. Read it not once but over and over again until you get a whiff of the nature of God! (More about Hezekiah on August 25th)