FAITH CAPSULE: Prayer is power for self-deliverance.
2 Kings 20
Prayer is seeking God. Prayer can be described as a power force that is in place for man to vigorously engage for self-deliverance. Prayer demands persistent to get result. Are you experiencing challenge that is resisting continuous prayer? According to Jesus, prayer demands, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) In the pages of bible it is evident that prayer is the key for self-deliverance. Hezekiah was among those with testimony of self-deliverance through prayer. It is recorded concerning Hezekiah, “In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’”( 2Kings 20:1) Hezekiah did not seek deliverance from no man but engaged prayer before God for his self-deliverance from sudden death. Hezekiah prayed to God reminding God about his walk and loyal heart before God; he wept before God. God responded to Hezekiah’s prayer and sent Isaiah to Hezekiah stating, “…I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake, and for the sake of My servant David.” (2Kings 20:5-6) Truly, Hezekiah prayed before God to gain self-deliverance from sudden death.
Hannah vigorously prayed in time of her barrenness. Hannah was praying when Eli mistook her for drunkenness. It is written, “ And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth. Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” (1Samuel 1:12-14) Hannah responded to Eli saying she was not drunk but poured out her soul before God. As a result, Eli answered to her, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” (1 Samuel 1:17) Hannah prayed vigorously and she conceived and bore Samuel.
Are you praying? Jesus emphasized the need for prayer and He demonstrated prayer as He prayed for Peter’s deliverance from faith failure in Luke 22:32, “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…” Through prayer, Paul experienced self-deliverance from prison and death trap journey. Paul was constant prayer as stated, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” (2 Timothy 4:18) Prayer is power for self-deliverance if man will vigorously engage praying to God in the name of Jesus.
Prayer for today: Ask God for the grace of strength in praying.