A Humble Prayer

Posted by Chris Case on May 27, 2010 in Daily Bread | 0 comments

So everyone knows the story of Jehoshaphat, right? You know, the big hero of the Bible? Yeah… my recollection is sometimes a little vague too. Well, just for a little refresher, Jehoshaphat was a king of Israel who took over when his father Asa died and “reigned in his place.” (2 Chron 17.1) We are told “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He did not consult the Baals 4 but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. 5 The LORD established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor.” (17.3-5). So contrary to larger collection of bad kings that the Israelites had, Jehoshaphat was actually a good one.

Things take an interesting turn for this great king, as we find out “Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” (20:3). There is an army coming to attack, and we find this great and mighty King of Israel suddenly is the one who is “afraid?” This the point where Jehoshaphat lets out his prayer. Now at a time when he could have complained or been frustrated or grumbling, he starts off immediately with praise. “You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.”

How hard it is when things aren’t looking good to start off with praise, yet that’s where we find his prayer starting. His desire was to initiate his prayers with praise. Jehoshaphat goes on to identify the situation in his prayer, noting that he and the nation are ‘powerless.’ What a humble thing for a King to say. He is recognizing the source of his power and might, that it is not swords and shields alone, but from the heavenly God. He even confesses his total inability to even know what is to be done when he says “We do not know what to do.”

After praise, and recognizing the problem and need for God, then, and only then, does Jehoshaphat move to his supplication when he implores the Lord with the words, “our eyes are upon You.” He is saying, “alright, we are admitting it… we need you now!”

Although there’s no SET prescription how to pray (A.C.T.S., Lord’s Prayer, etc), I always feel this is a healthy model for supplication. When I begin my prayers with praise, it starts putting all my requests in perspective, and it also helps me be reassured for the character of God and how He answers prayer. Sorting through the problem, others sins, my sins and fallibility, also helps to put my request in perspective so that I can move to a place of keeping my eyes on God.