BIBLE READING: 2 KINGS 20-22, JOHN 6: 45-71
Memory verse: “I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” 2 Kings 20:3 (KJV)
A lot of people have always wondered why their prayers go unanswered or it takes a long while before receiving answers to prayers. One of the reasons for such is praying a prayer that lacks merit. James in his epistle tells us that “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3 (KJV). The spiritual controls the physical and before any thing is done there has to be a strong cause to it. Remember that in the book of Job 1:8-12, the devil could not harm Job without presenting a reason to seek consent. This tells us that in spiritual things, demands are met according to merit. So when we ask for something from the Lord, He is asking for reasons why and if our reason is self-centered or lacks merit, it explains the delay or silence.
King Hezekiah was told by the prophet Isaiah that he was going to die from his sickness and the king went to the Lord to plead his cause. In our reading above, we can see the list of things he presented before God and God had no option but to reconsider His decision and even added more years to him. That’s the power of praying with merit. Now this also means that there has to be something to present. “Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.” Isaiah 41:21 (KJV). Remember Dorcas in Acts 9:36-41? Her good works became the primary reason for being brought back to life.
Action point: As you pray today, put God into remembrance and plead your cause. Give him reasons to answer and He will.
Pastor Chika Nnamdi Ifeanacho