Why Prayer Matters: Insights from the Life of Hezekiah

In my ongoing "Why Matters" series, we're delving into another pivotal lesson gleaned from the Old Testament, particularly the life of King Hezekiah. Far too often, prayer is taken for granted. It's treated merely as a tool for getting what we want, akin to a cosmic Santa Claus or a magical genie. To understand the true essence of prayer, we must recognize that it is essential, even amidst non-ideal circumstances.

Hezekiah’s Life: A Testament to the Power of Prayer

Hezekiah's life was far from perfect. Here are a few significant observations about him:

1. Survival Amidst Darkness: His life was spared during a time when child sacrifice was prevalent.

2. A Dismal Legacy: He grew up under a father, King Ahaz, whose reign was marked by evil and idol worship, akin to the infamous Jezebel and Ahab.

3. Youthful Leadership: He became king at just 25 years old.

4. Human Flaws: Like all of us, Hezekiah made mistakes.

5. Limited Choices: His options were restricted by the political and spiritual turmoil of his time.

Yet, in the face of these challenges, Hezekiah exemplified remarkable faith:

1. Obedience Under Pressure: He chose to obey God despite tremendous external pressure.

2. Courage to Stand for Righteousness: He stood up for truth even when it was unpopular.

3. Restoration of True Worship: He guided his people back to God.

4. A Godly Rule: He governed righteously.

5. Devotion to Prayer: Above all, Hezekiah prayed, which is crucial to understanding our discussion today.

The Role of Prayer

Despite less than ideal circumstances, the role of prayer for any believer is both life-giving and life-changing. Prayer can be summarized in three key truths:

1. Prayer is Simple but Never Easy: Though it seems straightforward, the reality of prayer can be incredibly challenging.

2. Prayer is the Answer to Our Questions: It serves as guidance through our struggles and uncertainties.

3. Prayer is Our Lifeline and a Lifestyle: It is foundational to our existence, much like the air we breathe.

Let's explore these truths further.

Prayer is Simple, Yet Not Easy (2 Kings 18:1-7)

Think of prayer as tapping into an immense power source—it fuels our Christian life. Without it, we're akin to flashlights without batteries, ineffective and lifeless.

Consider the numerous elements involved in using electrical power. There are kilowatts, volts, positive and negative charges. Similarly, prayer is not merely transactional; it's a profound connection with God that goes beyond our immediate needs. In Hezekiah's case, his prayer life granted him extraordinary ability to navigate his turbulent world.

Importantly, God desires our approach, just as Hezekiah approached Him. Through prayer, Hezekiah displayed:

- Trust in God

- Faithfulness to His commandments

- Steadfastness in the face of adversity

Scripture underscores that prayer is a foundational aspect of the Christian life. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us not to be anxious but to pray in every situation, assuring us that God's peace will guard our hearts and minds.

Prayer is the Answer to Our Questions (2 Kings 19:1-7, 14-16, 35-36)

This is where the narrative becomes particularly engaging. While prayer is often the answer, many of us mistakenly approach it with preconceived solutions rather than seeking God's guidance. In the saga of Hezekiah, we find the king earnestly seeking God for answers rather than attempting to solve his problems through his understanding.

If we need, God will provide—not necessarily what we want, but what is truly needed.

- If we question, He will respond.

- If we are troubled, He will accompany us.

- If we turn to Him, He will deliver us.

The scriptures remind us that the prayers of the righteous have great power (James 5:16). For instance, Elijah's brief prayer sparked a significant divine response, demonstrating that heartfelt prayer yields tangible results.

As we explore 2 Kings, we encounter a backdrop of turmoil. The Assyrian army threatened God’s people, and amid this stress, Hezekiah remained faithful, seeking divine intervention. He spread out the blasphemous letter from the Assyrians before the Lord and prayed fervently.

In a remarkable moment of divine response, God told Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah not to fear. God's assurance culminated in the dramatic defeat of the Assyrian army, by ann Angel of God  illustrating the profound impact of Hezekiah’s prayer.

Prayer as Our Lifeline and a Lifestyle (2 Kings 20:1-11)

When we perceive prayer as a lifeline, it becomes integral to our way of living. In 2 Kings 20, we see God extend Hezekiah's life after he prayed earnestly in response to a death sentence delivered by Isaiah.

Hezekiah's plea was heartfelt: he invoked his faithfulness and past service to God. His prayer is a model for us: what would we do for God if given a second chance at life? Would we use our extended time for His glory? 

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that extension of life doesn’t guarantee a free pass; Hezekiah later made choices that brought judgment upon his people. Thus, prayer should always focus not just on physical well-being but on the overarching purpose of glorifying God.

Rather than concentrating solely on our physical needs, we ought to admit our dependence on God for our spiritual health, often praying for the redemption of souls rather than mere resolutions of temporal issues. When someone dies tragically, as I experienced with my friend Greg Welch, prayer becomes a vital conduit for understanding God’s greater plan.

Conclusion

As we conclude, it's clear that prayer offers simple yet profound support during complex struggles. It is both the answer to our challenges and a vital aspect of our daily lives. In our need for alignment with God's will, let us commit to praying faithfully and earnestly.

Pray this prayer and attempt to make application into your life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for listening. Thank You for speaking to us. Help us to listen to Your Word and to share it with others. May our wills align with Your Way. In Jesus' name, amen.