{"id":1431,"date":"2018-02-07T09:20:39","date_gmt":"2018-02-07T08:20:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/?p=1431"},"modified":"2018-02-07T09:28:15","modified_gmt":"2018-02-07T08:28:15","slug":"prayer-in-the-old-testament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/2018\/02\/07\/prayer-in-the-old-testament\/","title":{"rendered":"Prayer in the Old Testament"},"content":{"rendered":"
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And Jehovah was very angry with Aaron to destroy him: and I prayed for Aaron also at the same time.<\/em><\/p>\n

Deuteronomy 9:20<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

There are a total of forty-eight prayers in Old Testament history. These prayers wi<\/span>ll be studied individually and then we will draw some observations and conclusions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>I. The Prayers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>A. Concerning Judgment on the House of Abimelech<\/p>\n

The first prayer is in Genesis 20:1\u201318<\/a>, particularly verses 7<\/a>, 17\u201318<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Verse 7<\/a> states: Now therefore restore the man\u2019s wife; for he is a prophet, and he<\/em><\/span> shall pray for you, and you shall live: and if you restore her not, know you that you shall surely die, you, and all that are yours.<\/em><\/p>\n

Verses 17\u201318<\/a> state: And Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Ab<\/em><\/span>imelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants; and they bore children. For Jehovah had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham\u2019s wife.<\/em><\/p>\n

God punished the House o<\/span>f Abimelech because he had taken Abraham\u2019s wife and put her into his harem. Because of divine judgment, the women in the House of Abimelech were unable to give birth and were in danger of extinction. So, God ordered Abimelec<\/span>h to go to Abraham and ask him to pray on his behalf (v. 7<\/a>). When Abraham did pray on his behalf, the divine judgment was taken away (vv. 17\u201318<\/a>). In this first prayer, Abraham <\/span>prayed for the healing of Abimelech and his house. This prayer was intercessory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>B. Concerning the Judgment of Fire<\/p>\n

The second prayer is in Numbers 11:1\u20133<\/a>: And the people were as murmurers, speaking evil in the ears of Jehovah: and when Jehovah heard it, his anger was kindled; and<\/em><\/span> the fire of Jehovah burnt among them, and devoured in the uttermost part of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and Moses prayed unto Jehovah, and the fire abated. And the name of that place was called Taberah, <\/em><\/span>because the fire of Jehovah burnt among them.<\/em><\/p>\n

This passage describes another situation involving a divine judgment. When the people murmured against Moses, God sent a fiery judgment<\/span> that began burning among them, destroying many. Finally, when the people cried to Moses, Moses turned to God in prayer. The judgment was removed and the fire was abated. This prayer was intercessory.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>C. Concerning the Judgment of the Serpents<\/p>\n

The third prayer is in Numbers 21:4\u20139<\/a>: And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people w<\/em><\/span>as much discouraged because of the way. And the people spoke against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loathes this light bread. And Jehovah sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the pe<\/em><\/span>ople; and much people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against Jehovah, and against you; pray unto Jehovah, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And Jehovah said unto Moses, Make you a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he sees it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it upon the standard: and it came to pass, that if a serpent h<\/em><\/span>ad bitten any man, when he looked unto the serpent of brass, he lived.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The third prayer is also in the context of judgment. Once again, the people murmured against <\/span>God and Moses. Once again, God sent judgment. This time the judgment of the serpents. When the people repented, Moses prayed that the serpents might be removed; however, it was not God\u2019s will to answer the prayer of Moses exactly that way. Instead, God told Moses to make <\/span>a serpent of brass<\/em> and to erect it on a pole. Then anyone bitten by a serpent would live if he would turn towards this pole. Aga<\/span>in, in this case, prayer was intercessory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>D. Concerning the Sin of Aaron<\/p>\n

The fourth prayer is in Deuteronomy 9:20<\/a>: And Jehovah was very angry with Aaron to destroy him: and I prayed for Aaron also at the same time.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this passage, Moses refl<\/span>ected back on the incident in the Book of Exodus involving the sin of the golden calf. God was ready to kill Aaron because he was the one who had made the golden calf; but again, Moses prayed and by so doing, he saved Aaron\u2019s l<\/span>ife. Once again, prayer was intercessory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>E. Concerning the Sin of the Israelites<\/p>\n

The fifth prayer is in Deuteronomy 9:26\u201329<\/a>: And I prayed unto Jehovah, and said, O Lord Jehovah, destroy not your people and your inheritance, that you have red<\/em><\/span>eemed through your greatness, that you have brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin, lest the land whence you brought us out say, Because Jehovah was not able to bring t<\/em><\/span>hem into the land which he promised unto them, and because he hated them, he has brought them <\/em><\/span>out to slay them in the wilderness. Yet they are your people and your inheritance, which you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is also in the context of refl<\/span>ecting back on the golden calf incident. Not only was God ready to slay Aaron, He was also ready to slay all of the children of Israel and to begin a new nation from Moses alone. However, Moses prayed for the life of the people, beseec<\/span>hing God not to follow through with His threat on the basis of the promises that He made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Abrahamic Covenant. Again, Moses prayed an intercessory prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>F. Concerning the Prayer of Hannah<\/p>\n

The sixth prayer is in 1 Samuel 1:9\u201328<\/a>, specifically verses 10<\/a>, 12<\/a>, 26\u201327<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Verse 10<\/a> states: And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto Jehovah, and wept sore<\/em><\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Verse 12a<\/a> states: And it came to pass, as she continued praying before Jehovah, that Eli marked her mouth.<\/em><\/p>\n

Verses 26\u201327<\/a> state: And she said, Oh, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman <\/em><\/span>that stood by you here, praying unto Jehovah. For this child I prayed; and Jehovah has given me my petition which I asked of him.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the context of these verses Hannah was praying for a son. Her praye<\/span>r was a request for a personal desire. It was not really a need in the sense that she had to have a son, but it was certainly a very strong desire. In the context of the age in which she lived, it was a shame for a woman to be barren as was Hannah. The prayer request wa<\/span>s for a personal desire and that prayer was answered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>G. Concerning the Song of Hannah<\/p>\n

The seventh prayer is in 1 Samuel 2:1\u201310<\/a>: And Hannah prayed, and said:<\/em><\/p>\n

My heart exults in Jehovah; My horn is exalted in Jehovah; My mouth is enlarged over mine enemie<\/em><\/span>s; Because I rejoice in your salvation. There is none holy as Jehovah; For there is none besides you, Neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; Let not arrogancy come out of your mouth; For Jehovah is a God of knowledge, And by him actions are weighed. The bows o<\/em><\/span>f the mighty men are broken; And they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; And they that were hungry have ceased to hunger: Yea, the barren have borne seven; And she that has many children languishes. Jehovah kills, and makes alive: He brings down to Sheol, and brings up. Jehovah makes poor, and makes rich: He brings low, he also lifts up. He raises up the poor out of the dust, He lifts up the needy from the dunghill, To make them s<\/em><\/span>it with princes, And inherit the throne of glory: For the pillars of the earth are Jehovah\u2019s, And he has set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his holy ones; But the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; For by strength shall no man prevail. They that strive with Jehovah shall be broken to pieces; Against them will he thunder in heaven: Jehovah will judge the ends of the earth; And he will give strength unto his king, And exalt the horn of his anointed.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

While this is a poetic song that Hannah put together, it was and is a form of prayer according to verse 1<\/a>: And Hannah prayed and sai<\/em><\/span>d<\/em>. So Hannah prayed before she had a son, and now she prays after she had her son. This prayer was a song or a psalm of thanksgiving and a praise to God for answering her prayer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>H. Concerning Samuel\u2019s Intercession for Israel<\/p>\n

The eighth prayer is in 1 Samuel 7:5\u20136<\/a>: And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray for you unto Jehovah. And they gathered together to<\/em><\/span> Mizpah, and drew water, and poured it out before Jehovah, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against Jehovah. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.<\/em><\/p>\n

In these verses S<\/span>amuel prayed on behalf of Israel. The prayer was intercessory, but it was also accompanied with two other things. While Samuel was interceding on behalf of the people, it was accompanied by the confession of sin as we<\/span>ll and by fasting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>I. Concerning Israel\u2019s Request for a King<\/p>\n

The ninth prayer is in 1 Samuel 8:4\u20139<\/a>, particularly verse 6<\/a>: But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed un<\/em><\/span>to Jehovah.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the context, Samuel was asked by the people of Israel to appoint a king over them, and Samuel was displeased over Israel\u2019s request for a king. It also meant a rejection of the rule of S<\/span>amuel as a judge. So before Samuel made a decision, he went to God in prayer. Prayer here concerned the making of a decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>J. Concerning Israel\u2019s Sin in Requesting a King<\/p>\n

The tenth prayer is in 1 Samuel 12:19\u201325<\/a>, particularly verses 19<\/a> and 23<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Verse 19<\/a> states: And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for your servants un<\/em><\/span>to Jehovah your God, that we die not; for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.<\/em><\/p>\n

Verse 23<\/a> states: Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasi<\/em><\/span>ng to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is a follow-up from the previous passage. Samuel had been asked to appoint a king. He went to the Lord in prayer, and Go<\/span>d told him whom to appoint. This time Samuel was asked to pray for Israel because they now realized that they had sinned in asking for a king. They asked Samuel to pray an intercessory prayer for them. Samuel said that he would, but this time it would be impossible to rectify that sin. They now would have to live with a kin<\/span>g, and that king was Saul. However, Samuel continued to pray intercessory prayers for them because he would be sinning if he did not continue to pray for Israel. Samuel was both a priest and a judge, and part of his responsibility in these two capacities was to pray for his people.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A spiritual leader is responsible to pray for the people under his charge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>K. Concerning the Davidic Covenant<\/p>\n

The eleventh prayer is in 2 Samuel 7:18\u201329<\/a>, in particular verse 27<\/a>: For you, O Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, has revealed to your servant, saying, I will buil<\/em><\/span>d you a house: therefore has your servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto you.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the context, God made the Davidic Covenant with David promising four eternal things: first, an eternal hou<\/span>se or dynasty; secondly, an eternal throne; thirdly, an eternal kingdom; and, fourthly, an eternal descendant. David\u2019s prayer was in response to God\u2019s covenant with him and, in this case, it was a prayer of thanksgiving.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>L. Concerning the Dedication of the Temple<\/p>\n

The twelfth prayer is in 1 Kings 8:22\u201353<\/a> which is a prayer of dedication of the Solomonic Temple. There are a number of key truths to keep in mind in this pr<\/span>ayer of dedication for the Temple.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>1. Solomon\u2019s Prayer of Dedication<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>a. Solomon\u2019s Posture<\/p>\n

As to his posture, his arms were stretched out towards heaven, according to 1 Kings 8:22<\/a>: And Solomon stood before the altar of Jehovah in the presence of all the assembly of Isra<\/em><\/span>el, and spread forth his hands toward heaven.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>b. The Basis of the Prayer<\/p>\n

The basis of his prayer was the Davidic Covenant in 1 Kings 8:23\u201326<\/a>: and he said, O Jehovah, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above, or on earth beneat<\/em><\/span>h; who keeps covenant and lovingkindness with your servants, that walk before you with all their heart; who has kept with your servant David my father that which you did promise him: yea, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is this day. Now therefore, O Jehovah, the Go<\/em><\/span>d of Israel, keep with your servant David my father that which you have promised him, saying, There shall not fail you a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me. Now therefore, O God of Israel, let your word, I pray you, be verified, which you spoke unto your servant David my father.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In light of God\u2019s covenant with David and in light of the fact that Solomon had now become the heir to that co<\/span>venant, he prayed on the basis of the Davidic Covenant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. Solomon\u2019s Prayer of Supplication<\/p>\n

This is a prayer of supplication to God so that God would hear this prayer of dedication, according to 1 Kings 8:27\u201329<\/a>: But will God in very deed dwell on the earth<\/em><\/span>? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have builded! Yet have you respect unto the prayer of your servant, and to his supplication, O Jehovah my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the pra<\/em><\/span>yer which your servant prays before you this day; that your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place whereof you have said, My name shall be there; to hearken unto the prayer which your servant shall pray toward this place.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>a. Solomon\u2019s Posture<\/p>\n

In verses 30\u201353<\/a>, Solomon prayed with his face towards the Temple, whereas earlier he was facing up to heaven with his arms outstretched. In this prayer, he specified seven things.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>(1) Concerning Condemnation and Justification<\/p>\n

First, he specified for God to condemn the wicked and justify the righteous, in 1 Kings 8:31\u201332<\/a>: If a man sin against his neighbor, and an oath be laid up<\/em><\/span>on him to cause him to swear, and he come and swear before your altar in this house; then hear you in heaven, and do, and judge your servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his own head, and justifying the righteous, to give him according to <\/em><\/span>his righteousness.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>(2) Concerning Prayer in Times of Defeat<\/p>\n

Secondly, Israel is to keep on praying facing the Temple in times of defeat by the enemy, as recorded in 1 Kings 8:33\u201334<\/a>: When your people Israel are smitten d<\/em><\/span>own before the enemy, because they have sinned against you; if they turn again to you, and confess your name, and pray and make supplication unto you in this house: then hear you in heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and <\/em><\/span>bring them again unto the land which you gave unto their fathers.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>(3) Concerning Prayer in Times of Drought<\/p>\n

Thirdly, in days of drought the people were to pray facing the Temple, as stated in 1 Kings 8:35\u201336<\/a>: When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because the<\/em><\/span>y have sinned against you; if they pray toward this place, and confess your name, and turn from their sin, when you do afflict them: then hear you in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way w<\/em><\/span>herein they should walk; and send rain upon your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>(4) Concerning Prayer in Times of Plagues<\/p>\n

Fourthly, they were to face the Temple and pray in times of plagues, according to 1 Kings 8:37\u201340<\/a>: If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, if <\/em><\/span>there be blasting or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; what prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all your people Israel, who shall know <\/em><\/span>every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: then hear you in heaven your dwelling-place, and forgive, and do, and render unto every man according to all his ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of men;) that they may fear you all the days that they live in the land which you gave unto our fathers.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>(5) Concerning Gentiles<\/p>\n

Fifthly, a day will come when the Gentiles will pray towards this house, according to 1 Kings 8:41\u201343<\/a>: Moreover concerning the foreigner, that is not of your people Israel, whe<\/em><\/span>n he shall come out of a far country for your name\u2019s sake (for they shall hear of your great name, and of your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm); when he shall come and pray toward this house; hear you in heaven your dwelling-place, and do according to all that th<\/em><\/span>e foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may know your name, to fear you, as does your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by your name.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>(6) Concerning Times of Battle<\/p>\n

Sixthly, when the Israelite army had to face the enemy, they were to pray towards the Temple, according to 1 Kings 8:44\u201345<\/a>: If your people <\/em>go out to battle against their<\/em><\/span> enemy, by whatsoever way you shall send them, and they pray unto Jehovah toward the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name; then hear you in heaven their prayer and their supplication, a<\/em><\/span>nd maintain their cause.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>(7) Concerning Times of Captivity<\/p>\n

Seventhly, when they were away in captivity, they were to pray facing the Temple, as stated in 1 Kings 8:46\u201353<\/a>: If they sin against you (for there is no man that sins<\/em><\/span> not), and you be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive unto the land of the enemy, far off or near; yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn again, and mak<\/em><\/span>e supplication unto you in the land of them that carried them captive, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have dealt wickedly; if they return unto you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies, who carried them captive, and pray unto you toward their land, which you gave unto their fathers, the city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name: then hear you their prayer and t<\/em><\/span>heir supplication in heaven your dwelling-place, and maintain their cause; and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against you; and give them compassion before those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them (for they are your people, and your inheritance, which you brought forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron); that your eyes may be open unto the supplication of your servant, and unto the supplication of your people Israel, to hearken unto them whensoever they cry unto you. For you did separate them from among all the peoples of th<\/em><\/span>e earth, to be your inheritance, as you spoke by Moses your servant, when you brought our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord Jehovah.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This Temple now became the place that people should face when they prayed to God. Since God would take up His <\/span>residency in the Temple, it\u2019s only logical that they face the Temple when they prayed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>3. Specific Inclusions<\/p>\n

In this prayer there were four specific inclusions: first; prayer was to be done by facing towards Jerusalem and specifically towards the Temple (vv. 30<\/a>, 35<\/a>, 38<\/a>, 42<\/a>, 44<\/a>, 48<\/a>); se<\/span>condly, the arms were to spread out towards the Temple (v. 38<\/a>); thirdly, prayers were prayers of supplication (vv. 30<\/a>, 33<\/a>, 38<\/a>, 45<\/a>, 47<\/a>, 49<\/a>, 52<\/a>); and, fourthly, it included the confession of sins (vv. 3<\/span>3<\/a>, 35<\/a>, 47<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>M. Concerning God\u2019s Acceptance of the Temple<\/p>\n

The thirteenth prayer is in 1 Kings 9:3\u20139<\/a>, especially verse 3<\/a>: And Jehovah said unto him, I have heard your prayer and your supplication, that you have mad<\/em><\/span>e before me: I have hallowed this house, which you have built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.<\/em><\/p>\n

God did hear the prayer and the supplication of Sol<\/span>omon from the twelfth example. He pointed out that while Solomon\u2019s prayer was a prayer of dedication, it was also a prayer of supplication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>N. Concerning the Judgment of Jereboam<\/p>\n

The fourteenth prayer is in 1 Kings 13:6<\/a>: And the king answered and said <\/em>unto the man of God, Entreat now the favor of Jehovah your God, and pray for me, that my<\/em><\/span> hand may be restored me again. And the man of God entreated Jehovah, and the king\u2019s hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this passage the unnamed prophet and man of God was as<\/span>ked to pray on behalf of Jeroboam I. Jeroboam had just been smitten with a divine judgment and then realized his mistake, so he asked this man of God to pray for him. The prophet of God did pray and the king\u2019s hand was healed. The prayer was intercessory.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>O. Concerning the Shunammite Woman\u2019s Son<\/p>\n

The fifteenth prayer is in 2 Kings 4:32\u201337<\/a>, particularly verse 33<\/a>: He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto Jehovah.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the con<\/span>text, the Shunammite woman\u2019s son had died, and she came to Elisha and asked that he do something about it. After all, she had not asked for a son; however, because of her kindness to Elisha, God had granted her<\/span> a son. Now it seemed unfair for God to take the son away. But God is right and just. Elisha did pray for the life of the son of the Shunammite woman, God responded and the life was restored. Again prayer was intercessory.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>P. Concerning Elisha\u2019s Servant<\/p>\n

The sixteenth prayer is in 2 Kings 6:14\u201317<\/a>, especially verse 17<\/a>: And Elisha prayed, and said, Jehovah, I pray you, open his eyes, that he may see. And Jehovah opened the<\/em><\/span> eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.<\/em><\/p>\n

Elisha was surrounded by the enemy, and Elisha\u2019s servant was fearful. So Elish<\/span>a prayed that his servant might be able to see the invisible chariots of fire, the invisible angelic beings that were protecting Elisha. The prayer was answered. In this case the prayer was a simple request to enlighten the eyes and the mind of Elisha\u2019s servant.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>Q. Concerning Elisha\u2019s Safety<\/p>\n

The seventeenth prayer is in 2 Kings 6:18\u201319<\/a>, particularly verse 18<\/a>: And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto Jehovah, and said, Smite this people, I pray you, <\/em><\/span>with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.<\/em><\/p>\n

When the enemy soldiers finally broke into the city and were getting ready to capture Elisha, Elisha prayed that the S<\/span>yrian soldiers might be smitten with blindness, and that prayer was answered. In this case prayer was again a simple request which was answered. The prayer was a prayer of the protection for the life of Elisha.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>R. Concerning Isaiah\u2019s Prayer for Jerusalem<\/p>\n

The eighteenth prayer is in 2 Kings 19:1\u20137<\/a>, especially verse 4<\/a>: It may be Jehovah your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria hi<\/em><\/span>s master has sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Jehovah your God has heard: wherefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this context, Isaiah was asked to p<\/span>ray for Jerusalem in light of the threat of destruction by the Assyrian army. Here again prayer was intercessory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>S. Concerning Hezekiah\u2019s Prayer for Jerusalem<\/p>\n

The nineteenth prayer is in 2 Kings 19:14\u201320<\/a>, especially verses 15<\/a> and 20<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Verse 15<\/a> states: And Hezekiah prayed before Jehovah, and said, O Jehovah, the G<\/em><\/span>od of Israel, that sits above the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.<\/em><\/p>\n

Verse 20<\/a> states: Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Heze<\/em><\/span>kiah, saying, Thus says Jehovah, the God of Israel, Whereas you have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the context, Hezekiah came to the Temple Compound area and p<\/span>rayed to God in the face of the Assyrian threat. God heard Hezekiah\u2019s prayer against Sennacherib and intervened. In this case prayer was intercessory on behalf of Jerusalem and its safety.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>T. Concerning Hezekiah\u2019s Prayer for Healing<\/p>\n

The twentieth prayer is in 2 Kings 20:1\u20137<\/a>, particularly verses 2<\/a> and 5<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Verse 2<\/a> states: Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto Jehovah, saying<\/em><\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Verse 5<\/a> states: Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the prince of my people, Thus says Jehovah, the God of David your father, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears: behold, I will heal you; on<\/em><\/span> the third day you shall go up unto the house of Jehovah.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the context, Hezekiah was praying that his life might be preserved because he was stricken fatally ill. He prayed facing the wall, which ga<\/span>ve him a degree of privacy, and the prayer was accompanied with sore weeping. The prayer was for a personal desire and a personal request. It was answered and God healed him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>U. Concerning the Davidic Covenant<\/p>\n

The twenty-first prayer is in 1 Chronicles 17:16\u201327<\/a>, particularly verse 25<\/a>: For you, O my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build him a house: therefo<\/em><\/span>re has your servant found in his heart to pray before you.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is a passage that parallels the 2 Samuel 7:18\u201329<\/a> account. To summarize from what was said before, it was a personal thanksgiving prayer <\/span>of David because God had just made the Davidic Covenant with him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>V. Concerning the Dedication of the Temple<\/p>\n

The twenty-second prayer is 2 Chronicles 6:12\u20137:3<\/a>, especially verses 13<\/a>, 40\u201342<\/a> and 7:1<\/a>. It is the Solomonic prayer for the dedication of the Temple and it pa<\/span>rallels the passage in 1 Kings 8:22\u201353<\/a>. It has the same elements as the 1 Kings passage, but it does have three additional elements that were not found in the previous passage.<\/p>\n

Verse 13<\/a> states: (for S<\/em><\/span>olomon had made a brazen scaffold, five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court; and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all <\/em><\/span>the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:)<\/em><\/p>\n

First, as for posture, in the 1 Kings account it simply stated that Solomon spread forth his hands towards heaven, this verse r<\/span>epeats the fact that he did spread his hands towards heaven but it adds the fact that he was also kneeling upon his knees.<\/p>\n

The second additional element is that he prayed for the Shechinah Glory to en<\/span>ter the Temple, as stated in 2 Chronicles 6:40\u201342<\/a>: Now, O my God, let, I beseech you, your eyes be open, and let your ears be attent, unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore arise, O<\/em><\/span> Jehovah God, into your resting-place, you, and the ark of your strength: let your priests, O Jehovah God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness. O Jehovah God, turn not away the face of your anointed: remember your lovingkindnesses to David your servant.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The third additional element is that the prayer was accompanied with sacrifices in 2 Chronicles 7:1<\/a>: Now when Solom<\/em><\/span>on had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of Jehovah filled the house.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>W. Concerning God\u2019s Choosing of the Temple<\/p>\n

The twenty-third is in 2 Chronicles 7:11\u201322<\/a>, particularly verses 12<\/a>, 14\u201315<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Verse 12<\/a> states: And Jehovah appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I h<\/em><\/span>ave heard your prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice.<\/em><\/p>\n

Verses 14\u201315<\/a> state: if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, <\/em><\/span>and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent, unto the prayer that is made in this place.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

In this account God, heard the prayer of Solomon and chose the Temple that Solomon had built as the place for sacrifice. It would no longer be in Shiloh; it would now be in Jerusalem, in t<\/span>his Temple. Then God said that if the people sinned, they were to pray for forgiveness and God would hear honest prayers made from the Temple. Here prayer was viewed as supplication and included the seeking of forgiveness of sins.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>X. Concerning the Sin of the People<\/p>\n

The twenty-fourth prayer is in 2 Chronicles 30:17\u201320<\/a>, particularly verse 18<\/a>: For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun,<\/em><\/span> had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, The good Jehovah pardon every one.<\/em><\/p>\n

Because the Passover was observed<\/span> inappropriately, contrary to the Law of Moses, the people had sinned in the way they partook of the Passover. So Hezekiah prayed for the forgiveness of those who had not cleansed themselves for the Passover. Here prayer was interces<\/span>sory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>Y. Concerning the Benediction of the Priests<\/p>\n

The twenty-fifth prayer is in 2 Chronicles 30:23\u201327<\/a>, particularly verse 27<\/a>: Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was <\/em><\/span>heard, and their prayer came up to his holy habitation, even unto heaven.<\/em><\/p>\n

Here the priest blessed and prayed for the people and this prayer entered into God\u2019s holy habitation<\/em>. In this case, prayer was<\/span> a benediction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>Z. Concerning the Threat by Assyria<\/p>\n

The twenty-sixth prayer is in 2 Chronicles 32:20\u201323<\/a>, particularly verse 20<\/a>: And Hezekiah the king, and Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, prayed because of this, a<\/em><\/span>nd cried to heaven.<\/em><\/p>\n

The context concerns the Assyrian threat against Jerusalem, and both Hezekiah the King and Isaiah the Prophet prayed in light of the Assyrian threat. In this case, prayer was for a<\/span> national emergency, and they prayed that God would rescue Jerusalem from the hands of the Assyrians.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>AA. Concerning Hezekiah\u2019s Prayer for Healing<\/p>\n

The twenty-seventh prayer is in 2 Chronicles 32:24<\/a>: In those days Hezekiah was sick even unto death: and he prayed unto Jehovah; and he spoke unto him, and<\/em><\/span> gave him a sign.<\/em><\/p>\n

This one verse summarizes the passage discussed earlier concerning Hezekiah\u2019s sickness (2 Kg. 20:1\u20137<\/a>). In this case, he asked that God would heal him, and God answered that prayer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>BB. Concerning the Restoration of Manasseh<\/p>\n

The twenty-eighth prayer is in 2 Chronicles 33:10\u201313<\/a>, specifically verse 13<\/a>: And he prayed unto him; and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication,<\/em><\/span> and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that Jehovah he was God.<\/em><\/p>\n

The prayer was for Manasseh\u2019s restoration to the throne, and when Manasseh prayed, God answered his pr<\/span>ayer. He was restored to the throne. The prayer was supplication.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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CC. Concerning the Prayer of Manasseh<\/p>\n

The twenty-ninth prayer is in 2 Chronicles 33:18\u201319<\/a>: Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spoke to h<\/em>im in the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel, behold, they are written among the acts of the kings of Israel. His prayer also, and how God was entreated of him, and all his sin and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up the Asherim and the graven images, before he humbled himse<\/em>lf: behold, they are written in the history of Hozai.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

This passage again speaks of the prayer of Manasseh by which God was entreated. The prayer of Manasseh was a prayer of supplication and the prayer was answered.<\/p>\n

DD. Concerning the Life of the King<\/p>\n

The thirtieth prayer is in Ezra 6:10: that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.<\/p>\n

Here the request of Israel was for the life of the king. This prayer was intercessory.<\/p>\n

EE. Concerning Ezra\u2019s Confession of the Sins of Israel<\/p>\n

The thirty-first prayer is in Ezra 9:1\u201310:1, particularly chapter 10:1: Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there was gathered together unto him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very sore.<\/p>\n

Ezra 10:1 states that the words of Ezra 9:1\u201315 were the words of a prayer, and this prayer points out five things. First, as to his posture, Ezra fell on his knees and spread out his hands towards God. Secondly, it was a prayer of humiliation over Israel\u2019s sins, specifically the sin of intermarrying with pagan Gentiles who were still worshipping their pagan idols. Thirdly, this prayer included the confession of past sins. Fourthly, the prayer included a confession for present sins. And fifthly, there were three inclusions in his prayer; confession, weeping and casting himself down before the House of God. This prayer of Ezra, who was the priest, was a priestly intercessory prayer.<\/p>\n

FF. Concerning the Rebuilding of the Walls<\/p>\n

The thirty-second prayer is in Nehemiah 1:4\u201311, particularly verses 4, 6, and 11.<\/p>\n

Verse 4 states: And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.<\/p>\n

Verse 6 states: let your ear now be attentive, and your eyes open, that you may hearken unto the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants while I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Yea, I and my father\u2019s house have sinned.<\/p>\n

Verse 11 states: O Lord, I beseech you, let now your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants, who delight to fear your name; and prosper, I pray you, your servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.<\/p>\n

There are seven things to learn from Nehemiah\u2019s prayer in this chapter. First, his prayer was accompanied with fasting. Secondly, he prayed over the fate of the walls of Jerusalem. Thirdly, his prayer was on behalf of the people of Israel. Fourthly, his prayer included the confession of sin. Fifthly, his prayer was based upon the promises of God concerning the restoration of Israel. Sixthly, his prayer was intercessory. And seventhly, his prayer included a personal request to receive commission from the king to be able to rebuild the wall.<\/p>\n

GG. Concerning Permission to Rebuild the Walls<\/p>\n

The thirty-third prayer is Nehemiah 2:2\u20138, especially verse 4: Then the king said unto me, For what do you make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.<\/p>\n

When the king asked Nehemiah what he wanted, at that point Nehemiah quickly prayed to God that the king would honor his request. The prayer was a personal request for permission to be able to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

HH. Concerning Protection from the Enemy<\/p>\n

The thirty-fourth prayer is in Nehemiah 4:7\u201314, specifically verse 9: But we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.<\/p>\n

Here prayer concerned a conspiracy against the Jews. It was a prayer for their protection. It was a prayer that was accompanied by preparations to repel the enemy should they attack.<\/p>\n

II. Concerning Nehemiah\u2019s Prayer of Thanksgiving<\/p>\n

The thirty-fifth prayer is in Nehemiah 11:17: and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brethren; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.<\/p>\n

Once again, it was the priests who were responsible to begin prayer and to begin a thanksgiving in prayer. This was a prayer of thanksgiving, which was the responsibility of the priesthood.<\/p>\n

JJ. Concerning Job\u2019s Prayer for His Friends<\/p>\n

The thirty-sixth prayer is in Job 42:7\u201310, particularly verses 8 and 10.<\/p>\n

Verse 8 states: Now therefore, take unto you seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt-offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you; for him will I accept, that I deal not with you after your folly; for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.<\/p>\n

Verse 10 states: And Jehovah turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: and Jehovah gave Job twice as much as he had before.<\/p>\n

In this context, Job was to pray on behalf of his three friends. The prayer was intercessory and, in this context, prayer was to be accompanied by sacrifices.<\/p>\n

KK. Concerning Isaiah\u2019s Prayer for Protection from Assyria<\/p>\n

The thirty-seventh prayer is in Isaiah 37:1\u20134, particularly verse 4: It may be Jehovah your God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master has sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Jehovah your God has heard: wherefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.<\/p>\n

This passage parallels an earlier passage in 2 Kings 19:1\u20137. Again the prayer is a prayer on behalf of the Jewish people; a prayer to be saved from the Assyrian invasion.<\/p>\n

LL. Concerning Hezekiah\u2019s Prayer for Protection from Assyria<\/p>\n

The thirty-eighth prayer is in Isaiah 37:14\u201321, particularly verses 15 and 21.<\/p>\n

Verse 15 states: And Hezekiah prayed unto Jehovah, saying.<\/p>\n

Verse 21 states: Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus says Jehovah, the God of Israel, Whereas you have prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria.<\/p>\n

This passage also parallels an earlier passage: 2 Kings 19:14\u201320. It again mentions Hezekiah\u2019s prayer against the Assyrian king that was answered.<\/p>\n

MM. Concerning Hezekiah\u2019s Prayer for Healing<\/p>\n

The thirty-ninth prayer is in Isaiah 38:1\u20138, especially verses 2 and 5.<\/p>\n

Verse 2 states: Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto Jehovah.<\/p>\n

Verse 5 states: Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus says Jehovah, the God of David your father, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears: behold, I will add unto your days fifteen years.<\/p>\n

This passage also parallels a preceding one, 2 Kings 20:1\u20137. It was a personal request on Hezekiah\u2019s part to be healed of his illness, which was answered.<\/p>\n

NN. Concerning Jeremiah\u2019s Symbolic Action<\/p>\n

The fortieth prayer is in Jeremiah 32:16\u201325, specifically verse 16: Now after I had delivered the deed of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto Jehovah, saying.<\/p>\n

In this context, God had asked Jeremiah to perform a symbolic action, something that he simply did not understand. So Jeremiah prayed to be able to understand why God had him buy a field which was about to be destroyed and taken over by the Babylonians. This prayer was a prayer for enlightenment, and prayer was a personal request on Jeremiah\u2019s part.<\/p>\n

OO. Concerning the Babylonian Threat<\/p>\n

The forty-first prayer is in Jeremiah 37:3\u20135, especially verse 3: And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto Jehovah our God for us.<\/p>\n

In this context, Jeremiah was asked to pray on behalf of Jerusalem in the face of the Babylonian threat. Hezekiah had made a similar request of Isaiah when he was faced with the Assyrian threat. In both cases the prayer was to be intercessory and the prayer was due to a national emergency. Whereas God did answer Hezekiah\u2019s prayer because he was a righteous king, God refused to answer Zedekiah\u2019s prayer because of Zedekiah\u2019s sinfulness and disobedience.<\/p>\n

PP. Concerning the People in the Land<\/p>\n

The forty-second prayer is in Jeremiah 42:1\u201322, primarily verses 2, 4, and 20.<\/p>\n

Verse 2 states: and said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we pray you, our supplication be presented before you, and pray for us unto Jehovah your God, even for all this remnant; for we are left but a few of many, as your eyes do behold us.<\/p>\n

Verse 4 states: Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto Jehovah your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass that whatsoever thing Jehovah shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you.<\/p>\n

Verse 20 states: For ye have dealt deceitfully against your own souls; for ye sent me unto Jehovah your God, saying, Pray for us unto Jehovah our God; and according unto all that Jehovah our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.<\/p>\n

Jeremiah was asked to inquire of God as to whether or not the people left in the Land of Israel after the Babylonian destruction should go down to Egypt. The prayer was a prayer of inquiry to know what the will of God was. The prayer was answered, and God did reveal His will, but they disobeyed anyway.<\/p>\n

QQ. Concerning Daniel\u2019s Prayer<\/p>\n

The forty-third prayer is in Daniel 6:10\u201314: And when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem); and he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. Then they came near, and spoke before the king concerning the king\u2019s interdict: Have you not signed an interdict, that every man that shall make petition unto any god or man within thirty days, save unto you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which alters not. Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regards not you, O king, nor the interdict that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day. Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to rescue him.<\/p>\n

Concerning this Old Testament prayer, there are five things to notice. First, Daniel prayed facing the city of Jerusalem. This was in keeping with the Solomonic admonitions at the dedication of the Temple. Solomon said if the Jews were in captivity, they were to look towards this particular Temple when they prayed and God would respond. So, in keeping with what was required of him, Daniel faced the city of Jerusalem while he prayed and he kept his windows open for that purpose. Secondly, Daniel prayed three times a day. Thirdly, Daniel prayed kneeling upon his knees. Fourthly, his prayers included the making of petitions. These petitions probably included the restoration of Jerusalem towards which he prayed. Since he was an official in the Medo-Persian government, he certainly prayed for his responsibilities and for wisdom to carry them out. Fifthly, his prayer included thanksgiving, with thanksgiving to the Lord.<\/p>\n

RR. Concerning Daniel\u2019s Prayer for the People of Israel<\/p>\n

The forty-fourth example is in Daniel 9:1\u201323, specifically verses 3, 14, 16\u201317, 20\u201321.<\/p>\n

Verse 3 states: And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.<\/p>\n

Verse 14 states: Therefore has Jehovah watched over the evil, and brought it upon us; for Jehovah our God is righteous in all his works which he does, and we have not obeyed his voice.<\/p>\n

Verses 16\u201317 state: O Lord, according to all your righteousness, let your anger and your wrath, I pray you, be turned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people are become a reproach to all that are round about us. Now therefore, O our God, hearken unto the prayer of your servant, and to his supplications, and cause your face to shine upon your sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n

Verses 20\u201321 state: And while I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before Jehovah my God for the holy mountain of my God; yea, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.<\/p>\n

These were just a few examples within verses 1\u201323 where Daniel\u2019s prayer was recorded in some detail.<\/p>\n

There are five things to mention regarding his prayer. First, the prayer was based upon the promises of God (vv. 1\u20132). Daniel had been studying the promises God made in the Book of Jeremiah, among other books. He took note of these promises and prayed accordingly. Secondly, his prayer was a supplication for the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian captivity (v. 3). Thirdly, there were three accompaniments to his prayer: fasting, sackcloth, and ashes (v. 3). Fourthly, the prayer included the confession of national sins, and Daniel confessed the national sins of Israel (vv. 4\u201314). Fifthly, it included two specific petitions: and, secondly, it included a petition for the restoration of the Jewish State following the Babylonian captivity (vv. 15\u201319).<\/p>\n

SS. Concerning Jonah\u2019s Prayer<\/p>\n

The forty-fifth prayer is in Jonah 2:1\u20139, particularly verses 1 and 7.<\/p>\n

Verse 1 states: Then Jonah prayed unto Jehovah his God out of the fish\u2019s belly.<\/p>\n

Verse 7 states: When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Jehovah; And my prayer came in unto you, into your holy temple.<\/p>\n

In the context, Jonah\u2019s prayer included a recitation of his experiences. Obviously, God knew everything Jonah had experienced but it is permissible in prayer to recount personal experiences. The prayer was for a personal request; he was asking for a second chance to fulfill the commission he had failed to perform.<\/p>\n

TT. Concerning the Sparing of Nineveh<\/p>\n

The forty-sixth prayer is in Jonah 4:1\u20133, specifically verse 2: And he prayed unto Jehovah, and said, I pray you, O Jehovah, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I hasted to flee unto Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and repentest you of the evil.<\/p>\n

There are two things in this example to notice. First, Jonah prayed following the sparing of Nineveh. In fact, it was because Nineveh was spared that he prayed this prayer. It was not a prayer of thanksgiving for the sparing of Nineveh, but it was a prayer that arose out of a depression because Nineveh was spared; that was not Jonah\u2019s desire. Secondly, this prayer ended by being a prayer for a personal request. And his personal request was that he might die; he was that depressed. Fortunately, God did not answer Jonah\u2019s prayer in the manner in which he wanted it answered.<\/p>\n

UU. Concerning the Punishment of Israel<\/p>\n

The forty-seventh prayer is in Habakkuk 3:1\u201319. The entire prayer is a poetic prayer much like Hannah\u2019s. There are three things to notice about this prayer: first, this prayer was also a psalm or a hymn that was intended to be sung; secondly, it was a prophetic prayer of the Second Coming, an eschatological prayer that described the Second Coming; and, thirdly, it was a prayer after Habakkuk had an answer to his spiritual dilemma.<\/p>\n

In chapters 1 and 2, Habakkuk carried on a conversation with God, which was a complaint on the part of Habakkuk. On the one hand, he could not understand how God could tolerate the sinfulness of Israel. When God told him that He would not and that He will send the Babylonians to punish Israel, that gave Habakkuk another problem. His second dilemma was how could God use a more sinful nation such as Babylon to punish a less sinful nation such as Israel. Finally, God revealed to him His plan and Habakkuk recognized the wisdom of God in the way His plan was working out. That is when he issued this prayer. So, this was a prayer after Habakkuk had an answer to his special spiritual dilemma.<\/p>\n

VV. Concerning the Men of Bethel<\/p>\n

The forty-eighth and final example of prayer in the Old Testament is found in Zechariah 7:1\u20137, but specifically verse 2, that says: Now they of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech, and their men, to entreat the favor of Jehovah.<\/p>\n

In this verse, we are told that the men of Bethel came to Jerusalem to entreat the favor of Jehovah. Bethel, before the Babylonian captivity, was one of the two centers of idolatry in the Northern Kingdom. In previous times, the men of Israel would come to Bethel or Dan to entreat the favor of their pagan Gods. But now these men of Bethel recognized Jerusalem to be the true spiritual center and they came to Jerusalem to entreat the favor of Jehovah. That is not all. Secondly, it was also to inquire of the Lord concerning God\u2019s will with regard to fasting, especially concerning those fasts which arose from the previous destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.<\/p>\n

So, these are the forty-eight examples of prayer in the Old Testament. We have gone through each one of them in a summary way and we drew several deductions upon all of them.<\/p>\n

II. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS<\/p>\n

From these forty-eight examples of prayer in the Old Testament, the following are some observations and conclusions.<\/p>\n

First, the majority of Old Testament prayers were of an intercessory nature.<\/p>\n

Second, prayers were frequently supplications. They were beseeching God for something. For example: Hannah prayed for a son; Jeroboam prayed for healing; Elisha prayed for his servant to see; Elisha prayed for protection; Hezekiah prayed for his life; both Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed over a national emergency; Manasseh prayed for his personal restoration; Nehemiah prayed for protection; Jeremiah prayed for enlightenment; and Jonah prayed for a second chance to fulfill his commission.<\/p>\n

Third, some prayers were songs of thanksgiving and praise; such as, the prayers of Hannah, David, and Habakkuk.<\/p>\n

Fourth, some prayers were to inquire about the will of God in a specific situation.<\/p>\n

Fifth, prayers were sometimes based on the promises of God. The prayers of Moses, Solomon and Daniel were based upon promises God had already made. And because they knew God kept His promises, they would pray concerning those promises.<\/p>\n

Sixth, prayers sometimes included the confession of sin (Dan. 9).<\/p>\n

Seventh, prayer was sometimes a benediction, as it was with the Levitical prayer over the people.<\/p>\n

Eighth, positions of responsibility would require men in those positions to pray for the nation. Some examples of this were Samuel, Solomon, and Ezra.<\/p>\n

Ninth, there were often certain accompaniments to prayer; such as, weeping, fasting, the wearing of sackcloth, and being smeared with ashes.<\/p>\n

Tenth, people prayed in different postures. Sometimes they stood, sometimes they kneeled, sometimes their hands were stretched out, sometimes they faced Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple, and sometimes they faced the sacrifices. One person faced a wall in his private bedroom. So there were a variety of postures in Old Testament prayer.<\/p>\n

Eleventh, Daniel prayed regularly three times a day. He set specific hours of the day and there were three such time-periods in the day in which he would pray.<\/p>\n

Twelfth, prayer as such was never commanded under the Law. One never finds anywhere in the Law of Moses a command to pray. There were no prescribed prayers given, but they arose spontaneously from one who was conscious of his need and God\u2019s power to provide.<\/p>\n

Thirteenth, prayer was often connected with sacrifices. Even when there was no sacrifice, prayer was often connected with the place of sacrifice. Some examples of this were 2 Chronicles 6:38, 39 and 7:12. Another way in which prayer was connected with sacrifices was when Daniel chose to pray, he would pray at the time of the evening oblations. He chose his evening prayer to be at the same time that the evening sacrifice would normally have been offered (Dan. 6:10).<\/p>\n

Fourteenth, there were five major elements in the content of the prayers of the Old Testament: first, they often prayed for divine guidance (Gen. 24:12\u201314; 1 Sam. 8:4\u20139; Jer. 42:1\u201322; Zech. 7:1\u20137); secondly, people prayed that they might be healed (Gen. 20:7, 17\u201318; Num. 21:4\u20139; 1 Kg. 13:6; 2 Kg. 4:32\u201337; 20:1\u20137); thirdly, there were prayers for the averting or cessation of judgment; that judgment might be averted, or, if the judgment was already in progress, they would pray that the judgment would cease (Num. 11:1\u20133; Deut. 9:20, 26\u201329; 2 Chr. 33:10\u201313; Ezra 9:1\u201310:1); fourthly, there were prayers for personal desires or needs (1 Sam. 1:9\u201328; 2 Kg. 6:14\u201317; Neh. 1:4\u20132:8; Jer. 32:16\u201325; Jon. 2:1\u20139; 4:1\u20133); and, fifthly, their prayers were often prayers for protection in specific situations (2 Kg. 6:18\u201319; 19:14\u201320; 2 Chr. 32:20\u201323; Neh. 4:7\u201314; Jer. 37:3\u20135).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

And Jehovah was very angry with Aaron to destroy him: and I prayed for Aaron also at the same time. Deuteronomy 9:20 There are a total of forty-eight prayers in Old Testament history. These prayers will be studied individually and then we will draw some observations and conclusions. I. The Prayers A. Concerning Judgment on … <\/p>\n

\u201ePrayer in the Old Testament\u201c <\/span>weiterlesen<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1431","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-allgemein"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1431"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1436,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1431\/revisions\/1436"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}