Lent Devotions

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March 22: Hezekiah’s Prayer for Healing

Posted: 21 Mar 2014 05:49 AM PDT

Read: Isaiah 38:1-6

Remember now, O Lord, I implore you, how I have walked before you in faithfulness. (v. 3 NRSV)

Such a short, simple prayer certainly had a remarkable result. King Hezekiah was very ill. When the prophet Isaiah told him his death was near, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept bitterly. He also prayed for healing. His prayer mainly reminds God of how good and faithful Hezekiah had been (as if God needed to be told!). But God brought the king back from death’s door and gave him fifteen more years of life; a wonderful gift, indeed.

Why is it that such a short prayer, so focused on personal accomplishments, was heard and answered by God? Why is it that some of our prayers for healing, prayed with humble earnestness and hope, are heard but not answered by God? This is one of the most troubling mysteries of our faith.

When Hezekiah recovered, he sang a song of praise to God: “The living, the living, they thank you, as I do this day” (38:19). The challenge and call of faithful Christian living is to express gratitude and joy to God no matter what our circumstances, healthy or sick, satisfied or discouraged, in plenty or in loss. –Leanne Van Dyk

Prayer: We give you praise and thanks all the days of our lives, gracious God. Help us to worship you no matter what circumstances we are in. Amen.

Words of Hope is an international media ministry, founded and owned by classes of the RCA, dedicated to building the church in the hard places. The Words of Hope devotional encourages readers to grow spiritually through daily Bible readings and prayer. To subscribe, please visit: woh.org/word/devotionals/.