2 Kings-19
The Courage to Pray: A Devotional Study on 2 Kings 19
Introduction
In the midst of a crisis, King Hezekiah of Judah turned to God in prayer. This profound moment in 2 Kings 19 teaches us the remarkable power of prayer and the courage it takes to bring our concerns before our Creator. As we dive into this passage, let's reflect on the valuable spiritual insights and lessons we can learn.
Section 1: The Threat (2 Kings 18:13-16)
Devotional Thought: Sennacherib, king of Assyria, threatened Judah with destruction. Declaring the impossibility ofStanding against the vast Assyrian army, it seems that Judah is doomed. Yet, King Hezekiah refuses to take matters into his own hands and trusts in the Lord.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you ever faced a situation that seems insurmountable, and prayer seems like the option of last resort?
- How can we learn to trust in the Lord's power and provision even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances?
Section 2: The Prayer (2 Kings 19:1-7)
Devotional Thought: Hezekiah heard of Sennacherib's boast and turned to the Lord in prayer. He acknowledged the Lord's sovereignty over nature and did not stop until he received a response. His prayer shows us the courage it takes to bring our concerns before God.
Reflection Questions:
- How can we cultivate the courage to pray fervently in times of crisis?
- What steps can we take to ensure we are persistently lifting our prayers before our Creator?
Section 3: The Answer (2 Kings 19:8-19)
Devotional Thought: The Lord heard Hezekiah's prayer and answered. He sent an angel to strike down Sennacherib's mighty army. This miraculous answer highlights the Lord's power and provision and teaches us that prayer is a powerful tool of communication between us and the Creator.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you witnessed your prayers being answered in miraculous ways?
- What does this teaching us about the power of prayer and the Lord's faithfulness?
Section 4: The Response (2 Kings 19:19-37)
Devotional Thought: Hezekiah's response to God's answer teaches us the importance of following through in our faith. Hezekiah dedicated a portion of the spoils as an offering to the Lord, trusting that it would bring blessings to Jerusalem. Our response to God's answer can fuel our faith and create trust in the Lord's provision.
Reflection Questions:
- How can our response to God's answers fuel our faith and trust in His provision?
- What actions can we take to ensure that our responses are demonstrative of our faith in the Lord's faithfulness?
Conclusion:
As we conclude this devotional study on 2 Kings 19, may we learn to have the courage to pray and trust in God's provision. This passage is a powerful reminder that prayer is our direct communication with the Creator, and it opens the door for miraculous answers that fuel our faith. Let us carry this lesson with us as we journey on our spiritual paths, trusting that God's hand is guiding us every step of the way.