Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     How comfortable are you in asking God for help in all circumstances?

2.     How willing are you to accept a ‘no’ as easily as a ‘yes’? Do both replies get equal gratitude?

3.     How can knowing our transience enrich each day or burden us? How does our attitude influence that perception?

Share: What new opportunity has the Lord given you today?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

2 Kings 20:5, “Thus says the Lord, the God of your ancestor David. I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; indeed I will heal you, …. I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David’s sake.”

First Hezekiah brought his weakness as a king to the Lord and out of God’s strength Assyria was routed. Then the king brought his personal physical weakness before the Lord in prayer and received fifteen more years. He had the courage to ask, the faith to believe in the possibility if God so chose to say yes.

Yet, in his extended days, he put Judah and the city of Jerusalem into jeopardy by showing emissaries from Babylon all the treasures, including the house of the Lord. Was his intent to boast in the Lord? Or to intimidate Babylon? Or had he become complacent under the Lord’s favor? When faced with the consequences of his actions Hezekiah was merely grateful he could live out his reign in peace.

How do we react once a crisis has past? How quickly do we fall back into old habits, old patterns of self-centeredness? Or perhaps worse—not even seek God’s will at all, in case His answer is no.

Hezekiah first had the courage to ask. Then somewhere he lost the ability to fully live the gift of years God gave him.

Lord, help us to abide in You every moment of every day and not wait for emergencies and catastrophes to seek Your face, but instead walk with You in the fellowship You have offered us as gift every day. Then, Lord, we can remain in Your counsel, regardless of what the day might bring.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 39:4-5

“Lord, make me to know my end, And what is the extent of my days,

Let me know how transient I am.

Behold, Thou hast made my days as handbreadths,

And my lifetime as nothing in Thy sight,

Surely every man at his best is a mere breath.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Weakness

The record stood

Asssyria wins

all other nations lose;

laid waste

lands decimated

beliefs shattered alongside

their pottery idols.

Messengers boasted

resistance futile

so Hezekiah

laid Assyria’s contempt

before God alone

not against the odds.

Asked instead that

all nations might witness

God’s sovereign power.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

            1. What is your immediate reaction to a serious threat? Resistance? Flight? Or hope in the Lord?

            2. How do you prepare time to listen for God’s answer in a time of crisis?

            3. At what point in a crisis do you seek the Lord’s help—before you try to solve it, or after you have failed?

            4. Do you consider that an impending threat might be an opportunity for God’s witness?

Share: How has the Lord given you His strength at a time of personal weakness?

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

2 Kings 19, Hezekiah’s prayer for Israel. “Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands,…… So now, O Lord our God, save us, I pray you, from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone.”

This king did not even try to pretend Israel had any hope of success apart from the Lord. He recognized their weakness and depended on God’s strength. So he took the letter given him and laid it before God seeking guidance.

Detail by detail, step by step. Seeking wisdom—seeking clear directions.

How often do we take special time apart to truly listen down to the minute details of circumstances facing us? How often do we recognize our inadequacy from the very beginning, no matter how much experience and talent we have?

Hurrying to meet the crisis. Tossing out prayers on the run.

Restore in us, O Lord, hearts to pray deeply, to listen carefully for Your will. To come to a place of peace in You, that Your name be honored, that the world around us may know who You are.

In our weakness, in our chaos, please bring us Your peace.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 31:3-4

“For Thou art my rock and my fortress;

For Thy name’s sake Thou wilt lead me and guide me.

Thou wilt pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me;

For Thou art my strength.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Warfare

Elisha’s prayer

opened blind eyes.

Now aware heaven’s

fire burned protection

servant’s view to

spiritual realm.

Then closed soldier’s sight.

Drew into physical

danger, treated with hospitality,

turned anger aside.

Both victories by words, not swords.

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What army with swords drawn is surrounding you this week? Write down their threats against you.

2.     Next to their threats, write down God’s words of promise and protection.

3.     As each threat draws nearer claim your word of promise and see the Lord standing with you.

Share: What word has the Lord given you this week to escape the edge of the sword?