Because You Prayed

Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, “Because you have prayed to Me …”

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Isaiah 37:21a NASB     James 5:16a NASB

In the middle of the crisis, it just didn’t occur to me. Busily making decisions and finding solutions as I dealt with the reality in front of me, I forgot all about praying. Only as the crisis subsided did it occur to me that I had completely forgotten … to pray. Not even a whisper of, “Help, Lord!” came from my lips or heart. Honestly, I would like you to think I’m so spiritual that it’s always my first response, but it’s not. Try as I might, there are (many) times when I react, rather than pray, and then ask God to bless my hurried response.

 While reading through the OT book of Isaiah I noticed a stunning phrase that leapt off the page at me. “Because you have prayed to Me”… The LORD goes on to express what He will do for King Hezekiah simply because he prayed. This praying king is confronted with a physical army coming against him on the outside, along with taunts intended to strike a paralyzing fear within him. The army’s leaders mock the king for trusting in God, “After all”, they tell him, “Have any other nations so-call gods, saved them? What makes you think your god will be any different?”

“Because you have prayed to Me“… I picked up the phrase and held it to the light, taking in the depth of truth embedded within. Wondering out loud I asked, “Father, why does prayer move Your hand?” His Spirit spoke this simple thought to my heart; To pray is to trust.

To pray is to humble ourselves and acknowledge that we need Him. That He alone has the answers. Prayer breathes out the truth that He is mighty and able to answer and able to help us. Even if His answer is “no”, or “not yet.”

Our only guaranteed outcome is that He is always good,
and always faithful. And we can trust Him.

Becky White

God went on to give King Hezekiah a tremendous victory that day. Through this praying king’s real-life crisis, I am reminded that our God’s mighty hand is moved through simple, trusting prayer.

Whatever crisis you’re facing, whether it’s monumental in scope or a pebble-in-the-shoe irritation, pray. Right now, this moment, unburden your heart. I don’t know how He will respond, but this I know … He will respond … and He will honor your faith to seek His face.

Prayer is my acknowledgement that I need God, while my lack of prayer reveals the opposite.

Becky White

Father, please forgive my pride, I know that’s the real issue of my heart. Go ahead, do whatever it takes to remind me of this truth – I need You. Period. For all things and in everything. Forgive my self-sufficient attitude. I lay _____________ in Your hands, please move in that situation, Father. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus