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Hezekiah was in trouble. He was the king of the nation of Judah (the two southern tribes). The other ten tribes had been conquered by the vicious Assyrians. Now, twenty years later, the Assyrian king was camped just outside the walls of Hezekiah's capital city, Jerusalem, threatening to destroy the city and take all its people captive. He even sent Hezekiah a letter warning him that God wouldn't be able to help.

Hezekiah was greatly distressed. So he took the Assyrian king's letter into the temple, into God's presence. Then he asked the Lord to deliver Judah so the nations all around them would be able to see God's greatness. God answered his prayer and saved Judah from the Assyrians.

This story reveals two important things about prayer.

First, God wants to hear your specific requests. Don't be afraid to ask God to take care of each trouble or difficulty that seems to be attacking you. Then ask God to take care of each one.

Second, God will always protect his reputation. Instead of praying for your own selfish desires, ask God to show others how great he is. Pray that his acts on your behalf will display his power and righteousness to those who don't know him. (See also 2 Samuel 7:19-29; 2 Chronicles 6; 7; Nehemiah 1; Psalm 85; Lamentations 5; Matthew 6:5-15; Acts 4:23-31.)

Good Words to Remember:
O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you are the LORD God, you alone. 2 Kings 19:19

Today's Challenge:
What specific requests should you present to God?

Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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