Hezekiah’s Prayer for Healing
Read: Isaiah 38:1-6 “Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. (v. 3) Such a short, simple prayer certainly had a remarkable result. King Hezekiah was very ill. When the prophet Isaiah told […]
Nehemiah’s Prayer of Confession
Read: Nehemiah 1 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. (v. 7) There are at least six prayers of Nehemiah in the book that carries his name. Nehemiah knew how to pray, and he prayed fervently and often. […]
Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication
Read: 1 Kings 8:22-30 But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! (v. 27) When an ocean liner or aircraft carrier is dedicated, a dignified official smashes a bottle of champagne against the side of the ship. This […]
Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom
Read: 1 Kings 3:5-14 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people? (v. 9) Early in his reign Solomon had a realistic self-image. Even though he was king of Israel, a son of the […]
Jehoshaphat’s Prayer for Deliverance
Read: 2 Chronicles 20:5-17 O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. (v. 6) Messengers came to King Jehoshaphat with the terrifying news that an enormous army […]
David’s Prayer of Desperation
Read: 2 Samuel 12:15-23 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. (v. 16) Perhaps you have had the experience described in today’s reading, praying desperately for healing or help. Any parent would pray with a broken heart over his dangerously […]
Hannah’s Prayer of Deep Distress
Read: 1 Samuel 1 I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation. (vv. 15-16) […]
Samson’s Prayer of Revenge
Read: Judges 16:23-31 O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes. (v. 28) Is it possible for someone to pray an authentic prayer that asks for revenge? That is exactly what Samson prayed for. This is […]
Moses’ Prayer of Repentance
Read: Exodus 32:15-34 Alas, this people has sinned a great sin. They have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written. (vv. 31-32) What should have been a wonderful time of celebration and joy for the […]