Pray Like the King
Introduction
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16b). Prayer is very crucial in the life of the believer. Our belief, confidence, dependence, trust, loyalty and relationship with God is expressed through prayer. The believer essentially prays to pull the government of God into reality in the life and activities of all that dwell on earth. Jesus depicted this by teaching his disciples to pray thus: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10.
Jesus gave this teaching to his disciples to also reveal that God values his relationship with the believer and consequently values his or her prayer. God confirmed this through Jeremiah thus: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jer 33:3). This passage is rich because God graciously invites us to call upon him, promises to answer when we call, and further promises to reveal great and mighty things through prayer.
Let us deeply consider and appreciate the love of God expressed in this passage – the immortal inviting the mortal into his presence, the Almighty inviting the weak into his powerful presence, the All-knowing One inviting the finite one into his wealth of precious secrets! This is unlike our earthly kings who often invite a few of us to serve their selfish purposes and plans!
Let us prayerfully consider how Jehoshaphat the King made use of this divine privilege when an array of powerful nations besieged him.
First, he set himself to seek the Lord. (2 Chron. 20: 3). Here, we see a conviction, decision and determination to seek the Lord’s face, counsel and intervention. In this wise move, the King was acknowledging his finiteness and weakness as a human being. He was expressing his total confidence and trust in the King of all Kings on the matter. This is the pattern for us all because “apart from the Lord we can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
First, he set himself to seek the Lord. (2 Chron. 20: 3). Here, we see a conviction, decision and determination to seek the Lord’s face, counsel and intervention. In this wise move, the King was acknowledging his finiteness and weakness as a human being. He was expressing his total confidence and trust in the King of all Kings on the matter. This is the pattern for us all because “apart from the Lord we can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
Second, King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. He made very good use of the authority given him to declare a national fast in vs. 3c. In this way, he led his people to sacrifice their pleasure in order to meaningfully engage God. So, must we. (Matt. 6:16-18).
Third, the nation of Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord. (2 Chron. 20:13). Corporate prayers go a long way to translate God’s will to reality on earth. Psalm 133 reveals that God powerfully releases his blessings and life in such a beautiful atmosphere.
Fourth, King Jehoshaphat himself prayed. (2 Chron. 20:5-12.) He challenges us all to be personally involved in prayers, no matter how busy and highly placed we are.
Fifth, God answered through a word of prophecy from Jahaziel the son of Zechariah… a Levite of the sons of Asaph. God’s voice tore through their fear and dismay, bringing great courage, strength, direction and total victory their way. (2 Chron. 20:14-30).
Indeed, no mountain can stand on the way of ardent believers who genuinely seek the realization of the Kingdom and rule of God on earth. )Matthew 17:20). Join this winning team forever.