document.open(); document.writeln(""); document.writeln("Powerful Prayer
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Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord"); document.writeln("for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people"); document.writeln("from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord\'€™s help."); document.writeln("Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the"); document.writeln("new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. He prayed, O Lord, God of our"); document.writeln("ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the"); document.writeln("kingdoms of the earth.  You are powerful"); document.writeln("and mighty and no one can stand against you! O our God, did you not drive out"); document.writeln("those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not"); document.writeln("give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? Your people"); document.writeln("settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. They said, Whenever we"); document.writeln("are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to"); document.writeln("stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can"); document.writeln("cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us...

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the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing"); document.writeln("there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Mattaniah,"); document.writeln("a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, Listen, all you people of"); document.writeln("Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do"); document.writeln("not be afraid! Don\'€™t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not"); document.writeln("yours, but God\'€™s.1

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This passage focuses on King Jehoshaphat, who upon hearing"); document.writeln("that an army was approaching, looked to God for direction and strength, and"); document.writeln("then called the nation to do the same. I encourage you to read the entire"); document.writeln("passage when you have time. This is an example of what is required for a"); document.writeln("powerful prayer.

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Dependence on God. Their prayer showed a deep trust"); document.writeln("in the Lord. Knowing that victory was beyond their own capabilities, they asked"); document.writeln("God to intervene. 

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Focus on His plan. Elijah did things God\'€™s way"); document.writeln("despite difficulties (1 Kings 19:1-2). Jehoshaphat called the nation to fast as"); document.writeln("they sought the Lord\'€™s plan. Because they sought a strategy in God, both men"); document.writeln("had a clear goal that guided them through difficulties. 

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Purity of intention. The two leaders had God-centered"); document.writeln("intentions and the goal of furthering God\'€™s purposes. 

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Trust in the faithfulness of God. No one hesitated to"); document.writeln("publicly ask for divine help. Elijah asked God to test the 450 enemy prophets,"); document.writeln("and Jehoshaphat told all Israel to pray.

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If your prayers seem to be having little impact, ask the"); document.writeln("Lord to help you follow the examples of Elijah and Jehoshaphat, and be ready"); document.writeln("for the answer.

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Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving"); document.writeln("me a clear example of how to pray for direction and strength. Lord, when I"); document.writeln("pray, help me focus on you, help my requests align to Your will. I trust in"); document.writeln("You, knowing that Your purpose for my life is and will always be far better"); document.writeln("than I can imagine. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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1.     "); document.writeln("2 Chronicles 20:3-9, 14-15 (NLT).

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Today\'€™s Encounter was written by: Rosina N.

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This and other devotionals by Richard (Dick) Innes can be read online.

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ACTS International

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