OLD TESTAMENT PRAYERS
Introduction
We are so glad you are joining us for these daily prayer posts. Over the next few weeks we are going to listen to the prayers we find in the Bible, and some of God’s most faithful saints and servants. Through their prayers, we will learn better how to pray and connect with our heavenly Father.
Each devotion will take less than ten minutes of your time.
- We will look at an insight from those who know something important about prayer.
- We will listen to the prayers of people in the Bible—people just like us. And to people who gained a deep measure of spiritual intimacy with God because they prayed.
- We will reflect, asking the same four questions each day that invites us to look and listen with intent.
- And we will pray, for it is in praying that we learn to pray. And it is in praying that the Spirit changes our hearts.
We want to encourage you to grab a journal or a notebook – something to write on as you walk through each prayer guide. Yes, it will add a few minutes to the time it takes to do the devotion, and it will also deepen your experience and shape your walk with God for years to come. This journal or notebook will be a keepsake to remind you of God’s faithfulness during this challenging season for all of us.
Look
Rescue is the constant pattern of God’s activity.”
John Eldredge, Wild At Heart
Listen
Jacob is filled with fear. He will soon encounter his brother Esau and he is not sure if Esau will kill or embrace him. Imagine the emotions and concern swirling in his heart as he travels with his large family and all their possessions. So Jacob does the best thing possible, he humbles himself and asks for God’s help.
Genesis 32:9-12
9 Then Jacob said, “God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Go back to your land and to your family, and I will cause you to prosper,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness You have shown Your servant. Indeed, I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps. 11 Please rescue me from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children. 12 You have said, ‘I will cause you to prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”
Reflect
1. Having read the Word, sit silently for a minute and give God’s Word a moment to settle within you.
2. Re-read the verses slowly and write down some thoughts that resonate with you.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the deeper desires, motives or longings in your heart. What thoughts are provoked? (for example: you might write down, “Jacob had a good reason to be afraid. What am I afraid of right now?”) The Spirit can help you understand what God is saying to you in these moments.
4. What are some elements in this “prayer to be rescued” from Jacob that might guide you today as you seek God’s help?
Pray
There is plenty to be concerned about in these days of COVID-19 and an unprecedented national shutdown. Jacob was transparent before his Father. He clearly laid out his apprehensions. Esau turned out to very gracious—God’s answer to Jacob’s worried mind. Scripture shows us that it is natural to feel burdened by weighty challenges. But we don’t have to be crippled by them. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 to come to Him with our burdens and He will give us rest. Do you need rescuing? Let God know your need and look forward to His solution.
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These devotionals are adapted from various sources, including The Book of Common Prayer, Fenelon: The Seeking Heart, Fellowship Bible Church Nashville, Handbook to Prayer by Kenneth Boa and others.
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