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Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International. |
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Powerful Prayer
Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord
for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people
from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help.
Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the
new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. He prayed, O Lord, God of our
ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the
kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful
and mighty and no one can stand against you! O our God, did you not drive out
those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not
give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? Your people
settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. They said, Whenever we
are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to
stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can
cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us... the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing
there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Mattaniah,
a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, Listen, all you people of
Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do
not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not
yours, but God’s.1 This passage focuses on King Jehoshaphat, who upon hearing
that an army was approaching, looked to God for direction and strength, and
then called the nation to do the same. I encourage you to read the entire
passage when you have time. This is an example of what is required for a
powerful prayer. Dependence on God. Their prayer showed a deep trust
in the Lord. Knowing that victory was beyond their own capabilities, they asked
God to intervene. Focus on His plan. Elijah did things God’s way
despite difficulties (1 Kings 19:1-2). Jehoshaphat called the nation to fast as
they sought the Lord’s plan. Because they sought a strategy in God, both men
had a clear goal that guided them through difficulties. Purity of intention. The two leaders had God-centered
intentions and the goal of furthering God’s purposes. Trust in the faithfulness of God. No one hesitated to
publicly ask for divine help. Elijah asked God to test the 450 enemy prophets,
and Jehoshaphat told all Israel to pray. If your prayers seem to be having little impact, ask the
Lord to help you follow the examples of Elijah and Jehoshaphat, and be ready
for the answer. Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving
me a clear example of how to pray for direction and strength. Lord, when I
pray, help me focus on you, help my requests align to Your will. I trust in
You, knowing that Your purpose for my life is and will always be far better
than I can imagine. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 1.
2 Chronicles 20:3-9, 14-15 (NLT). Today’s Encounter was written by: Rosina N. |
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