This week, we are unpacking the prayers of King Hezekiah. The principles of prayer are not numerous, and that is why we find the same themes running throughout Scripture. The Lord’s Prayer has similarities to Daniel’s prayer (Dan. 9:4-19), and Hezekiah’s prayer is no different.
Repetition is good for two reasons. First, we need this knowledge pounded into our heads. Every time, we see the same principle applied, it is like a hammer driving a nail into a board. We need these principles to penetrate deep into our minds.
Next, we should appreciate the same ideas running throughout the prayers of the saints because it reflects continuity. If every prayer in the Bible was different, how would we know the best way to pray? There are personality differences, as there should be, but enough similarities exist to give us a basic outline.
Hezekiah was a good king in a long line of kings who had allowed idolatry in Judah. The king of Assyria was trying to persuade Hezekiah’s people not to follow Hezekiah. His message was not to trust the Lord as Hezekiah did, but to turn to Assyria and their land of so-called goodness.
You and I are not a king or queen, but we are mommas and daddies. Think how it feels when someone tries to lead our little darlings astray. That is what Hezekiah faced, but on a larger scale.
While Hezekiah made his way to the temple to pray, he sent messengers to the prophet, Isaiah.
Read 2 Kings 19:6-8. What was the message the Lord gave Isaiah for Hezekiah in your own words?
Read verses 8-14. What did Hezekiah do with the letter he received?
We know we can pray anytime and anywhere. If you were King Hezekiah, would you feel better about laying the letter on the altar and praying there rather than in your home? Feel free to leave your answer in the comments. This would make a great discussion.
Read Hezekiah’s prayer in verses 15-20. What similarities do you find between Hezekiah’s prayer and the Lord’s prayer (Matt. 6:9-13)?
What phrases did Hezekiah use indicating he was praying boldly (v. 16)?
What was Hezekiah’s request?
Notice that Hezekiah sought deliverance so God could receive glory, not for personal relief.
How did he close his prayer?
Notice the immediate response to Hezekiah’s prayer. We saw the same result when Daniel prayed (Dan. 9:21)
Read verses 35-37.
Compare and contrast this passage with the passage of King Jehoshaphat in Day 47 of Incense Rising (2 Chron. 20:1-20).
Lord, help us learn, retain, and put into practice what we learn from the prayers of these great men. Thank You for preserving them in Your Holy Word. Amen.
A Mountain of Faith 