Hezekiah’s prayer was open and honest. Hezekiah was transparent before the Lord. I love the imagery here in this prayer story of Hezekiah. He took the letter, went to the house of the Lord and spread it out before Him. I get this visual image of Hezekiah and this letter—laying it there on the table and saying, “OK, God, what now? What do I do next? What’s my first move?”
Are you in a tough spot right now? You may just need to get you some note cards—write down all the things you are struggling with—lay them out on a table and say, “OK, God, here are my struggles. I can’t do anything about them. What now?”
Writing your prayer requests before God is a great idea for two reasons.
a. It helps you remember to pray for them.
b. It helps you to watch as God answers. We get more answers than we realize if we only ask.
Hezekiah’s prayer was honoring, humble and respectful of who God is. Hezekiah knew his place as king—and he knew God’s place in the Kingdom. Hezekiah was king of a nation and that is an important job, yet Hezekiah willingly humbled himself in prayer, because he knew his place before the King of kings.
Hezekiah’s prayer was bold. He said, “Give ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD.” Hezekiah had the kind of relationship with God where it wasn’t a surprise when Hezekiah showed up to pray. They talked frequently; probably throughout the day. Because of that relationship, Hezekiah didn’t wonder if God would be there when he came before Him. He knew he could ask God to act on his behalf.
The more you grow in your relationship with God, the bolder your prayers can become because the more your heart will begin to line up with God’s heart.
Hezekiah’s prayer was dependent. In verses 17-18, he prays, “It is true, O LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands.” Hezekiah knew he was out of his league facing the Assyrians. From the way I see that Hezekiah responded to life, however, I don’t think it mattered the size of the battle. Hezekiah was going to depend on God. Every time. In every situation.
Hezekiah’s prayer was certain. Because it was based on his personal faith and trust in God. In verse 19, Hezekiah prayed, “Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.”
Hezekiah had a faith in God that allowed him to pray with confidence. You need to understand that faith is always based on the promises of God. Some things God has promised to do—and some He hasn’t. God has promised to always get glory for Himself and always work things for an ultimate good. He hasn’t promised to rid everyone of cancer or to heal every bad relationship. Or settle every leadership issue we face.
