Isaiah 37:15, "And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD..."

Chapter 37 is one filled with threats and desperation as the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, came against Hezekiah, king of Judah.  Sennacherib's representative, Rabshakeh brought his army and his threats to the people and the king of Judah in Isaiah 36.  Hezekiah turned to the man of God, Isaiah, and to the LORD of hosts through prayer for direction and help.  God is the ultimate and best helper in our lives, and such was the case in Hezekiah's life. NO ONE CAN HELP YOU THE WAY GOD CAN HELP YOU!  Hezekiah's prayer included a personal request, but it was couched in such a manner as to desire that God be glorified through the answer. "O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only." (Isaiah 37:20) Is this not the manner in which all prayer should be offered to God.  That ultimately through the answer to our prayers God is glorified, that He is magnified.

God powerfully responded to Hezekiah's prayer.  "For I will defend this city to save it FOR MINE OWN SAKE, and for my servant David's sake." (Isaiah 37:35)  "Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand (185,000):  and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt in Nineveh." (Isaiah 37:36-37)

Prayer has a continual place in the believer's life, not just in times of desperation, but always.  "...men ought always to pray, and not to faint..." (Luke 18:1) "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Prayer also has a proper acknowledgment, "...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:9-10)

May we pray with expectation and desire.  An expectation that God hears and answers prayer, and a desire to see Him magnified and glorified because of the answer.  This is the place prayer has in the believer's life!

Have a good day rejoicing in our great God!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. How would you describe God’s help compared to that of man’s help?

2. Should we seek the help of the Lord daily or wait until we have an emergency? Explain your answer.

3. How would you rate (from 1-10) the level of your expectation and desire concerning prayer? What do you believe influences the expectations and desires reflected in your rating?