Scripture Reading: Isaiah 37:1-38, Isaiah 38:1-22, Isaiah 39:1-8, Psalm 2:1-12
Dad’s sight suddenly disappeared during a weeknight spaghetti dinner while my brother and I rambled about our day. He played it off not wanting to cause concern, and his sight returned a few minutes later. This episode propelled him to seek medical attention, leading to the discovery of a tumor the size of a golf ball growing next to his visual cortex. Inoperable.
Dad called Samuel Paul, the prayer warrior that led him to the faith, and Samuel Paul prayed over my dad, begging God for his life—asking for at least fifteen more years like God gave King Hezekiah so dad could see his children grow up. The tumor miraculously stopped growing, every tendril cut off from the surrounding tissue, and his sight remained intact.
Fifteen years later, Dad fell at work. The next day he woke up and couldn’t move the right half of his body. Doctors discovered another inoperable brain tumor, and Dad died two weeks after my husband asked for my hand in marriage.
God gave my father fifteen more years, as He did for King Hezekiah. How I praise God that He gave them to us!
Twice Hezekiah came before the Lord with a desperate petition: first, to save Jerusalem from the hand of the king of Assyria, who mocked the Lord (Isaiah 37:16–20). Hezekiah took the assault of the Lord’s name before the throne of God and petitioned the Lord to save Israel for the sake of the name of the Lord (Isaiah 37:14–20). And again, when Hezekiah fell sick, the Lord told him through the prophet Isaiah that he would die. The king begged God for more time, and God added another fifteen years in response to Hezekiah’s prayer (Isaiah 38).
Hezekiah’s strength was that he did not hesitate to take his needs to the Lord. I’ve learned that I can approach prayer in the same way as Hezekiah. He heard Hezekiah; he heard Samuel Paul—and He hears us too. When we seek the Lord, He hears us (Psalm 34:4).
And while the act of praying in itself is an act of hope, I have some unanswered prayers. We might hesitate to seek God in prayer, fearing our hope turning into disappointment at God’s response, whatever it may be. How long, oh Lord?, we may cry (Psalm 13).
But what we see in Hezekiah’s story and in Jesus’s instructions to His disciples is that God hears and responds to our prayers. His sovereignty is a mystery at times, but we know He moves when we pray. So let’s continue to pray against all odds, like King Hezekiah, always for the glory of God to be made known.
Written by Seana Scott
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118 thoughts on "Hezekiah’s Prayer"
Oh that my own prayers would be for God’s glory to rain down! Amen!
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Wow I love that ❤️
What powerful testimonies today! From Hezekiah, to Sienna, to our own beautiful sisters. Great reminders that God is always with us, and always willing to hear and answer our prayers. I realized today the importance of being bold in what I ask from The Lord. I loved that one sister said something about not just saying wishy washy prayers, but bold prayers. Thank you for the bold prayer’s on behalf of Amanda. Her new port is working just fine, and she received her chemo today as scheduled. She’s smiling through it all, and I’m so thankful for God’s protection over her, and on His answered prayers.
Wonderful, thank you Lord!
wow i teared up. Thank you God!
Outstanding report, Teresa! Hugs to Amanda and you! Thank you for the update!!! ❤
I love that God is in control of everything. Even the things that may seem to go unnoticed by him.
“Whom have you mocked and reviled? Against whom have you raised your voice? And lifted your eyes to the heights? Against the Holy One of Israel!” (Isaiah 37:23 ESV). Wow, if you speak like this, will you still have friends? Isaiah was not concerned about that, not at all apologetic, not at all political correct! This is the bold rebuke from a true prophet of God, not to tickle the ears, but to circumcise the heart with godly sorrow and a complimentary wake up slap. I really admire the boldness of Isaiah. Thank you for Isaiah. Lord, please raise up an Isaiah generation for a time like this. Please raise up men and women with the prophetic and government mantle, who are bold and courageous, not compromised, not afraid of men, persecutions or religious people. Perhaps You already placed the Isaiahs next to the kings of the nations. Lord, let it be done by your mercies, for the grace of “fifteen years” or more of grace period to be extended upon the earth, upon the lost, the sick, the dead spiritually to be revived and restored back to spiritual health and eyesight. Lord may be it done. Forgive the laughs of the nation leaders that taught the nations to also mock and laugh. Forgive the prideful scheming of their hearts. Your Will is for none to perish, so then Lord, may You cause them to come to repentance. Let the tears fall from true sorrow of the heart. Let there be the last wake up call from the modern day Isaiahs to the kings of the nations. May it be done like it was done before and written in the Book of Truth! And if all this has already been done and fulfilled by the wisdom of You , I thank You that You have already answered before I ask, that You can do beyond and exceedingly above what I can imagine. May all the praise, glory, honor and power be Yours forever and ever. Amen.
Amen!❤️
Amen.
Yes, Amen! I had written something on that train of thought before it got erased! That God will not be mocked, woe to the leaders that have done that intentionally. There have been many bold Christians speaking up, which gives me hope! We don’t see it shown, but the remnant remains and they have a fire in their bellies!! Praise God!
Today at jail we discussed how Jesus’ was angry in the temple that was making a mockery of it. The courtyard had become chaotic and filled with corruption! Nothing like it was meant to be, a place to come and honor God with sacrifice and prayer and worship. We can see that as well in churches today and ministries. We need pure hearts that love the Lord, and not trying to raise themselves or platforms, or numbers in a church. Lord, help us through the Spirit to cleanse us, and any thoughts that are for our own gain. May we we glorify you with our actions and voice, only have righteous anger for things that mock or go against you! Thank you Jesus for dying for me. Thank you for convicting me- to not be half in, half out as I once was. I don’t want to be a luke-warm believer. I want to be on fire for you! Amen and Amen!
Amen! ❤
Amen!
I fell sick at 17 and had 2 different rounds of my life that I prayed if it was God’s will for me to die to just let me go because I was in so much pain. Thankfully He met those prayers differently! Though my body is not fully healed, I am SO much better than where I have been. I can only credit this to God answering the prayers of the hundreds of people who have prayed for me over the years. I had doctors tell me I would never graduate college and I would never have children. By grace alone I have diplomas with my name on them, a toddler next to me and (just found out) a new addition is coming! Though my first pregnancy was deemed high risk, God gave me so much peace and a pregnancy way less complicated than expected. Praying He grants us this miracle again!
(Also really happy to be able to share this slightly anonymously with those who pray since it’s too early to spread it far and wide! Thank you all!)
Congrats Sam! Praying!
Congratulations Sam – you just got added to my prayer list! ❤️
Congratulations, Sam! What an amazing testimony. There is no limits to what God can do. Praise to our mighty Lord!
Thank you for sharing that testimony and giving God all the Glory!! AND Congratulations!! We can start praying now…shhhh! We won’t tell!
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Praying!
While I am truly grateful to have read Hezekiah’s prayer before the Lord and how the Lord heard him and answered him, I am somewhat disappointed in Hezekiah in the end. Pleading before the Lord to extend his life and give him more grace; the Lord did. But Hezekiah soon forgot that it really was of the Lord’s mercy that he “made it.” He became self sufficient and self confident thereafter. May I always in my life honor God and acknowledge Him. My life is a gift, my earthly things and treasures are gifts from God. Remind me, remind me, O Lord.
Pray without ceasing!
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Praying for all the requests!
Hezekiah’s Prayer has always been a favorite in the Bible. It’s a good reminder when we don’t know what to do and even when we do, we need to cry out to God! And then when the Lord answers remain humble and grateful giving Him the glory!
Lately, I’ve had a lot of those prayers about how to do something with my broken wrist!
Example- how to get my contact in with my left hand when I’m right handed! My husband offered to help but I didn’t think it would be a great idea so I asked the Lord to give me wisdom. He gave me wisdom to look up how to deal with the problem on you tube! There were videos showing me what to do!
Just a small example but I needed that answer!
God is good and He hears us when we cry out to Him!
Even If by Mercy Me and this song -More than Anything by Natalie Grant- came to mind as I read today.
Partial lyrics:
When I’m desperate and my hearts overcome
All that I need you’ve already done
Oh Jesus Help me want you more than anything
Help me want the Healer more than the healing
Help me want the Savior more than the saving
Help me want the Giver more than the giving
Help me want you Jesus more than anything
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Love, hugs, and prayers, sisters! ❤
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I love Hezekiah’s prayers, first for protection from the enemy and then for his life to be spared. God answered both times in a positive way. But we all know that doesn’t always happen… I prayed the same prayer as Seanna Scott, 14 years ago when my mom was dying. I begged him for 15 more years just like he gave Hezekiah. But to me his answer was no. It was hard to hear but His way is perfect and who am I to question His ways.
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God always answers prayer in one of 4 ways – yes, no, wait, and different. We pray His will be done and leave it to Him to use His wisdom in answering.
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@Teresa Donley – praying for Amanda!
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Have a blessed Wednesday sweet She’s! ❤️
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Prayers please for my healing, I am getting married on Friday and I am not feeling well! Believing in God for a full recovery!
Praying for you, Lauren Garza.
Praying for you , Lauren!
Praying for you sweetheart, full recovery ❤️ please dear Lord for Lauren
Prayed for healing Lauren, Happy Wedding Week!!
Prayers for your healing Lauren – and congratulations on your up coming wedding!❤️
How exciting! Have prayed for you, Lauren ❤️
Praying ❤️ God bless and give you precious memories of this time.
This is the 3rd thing I’ve read today that reminds me that there is power in prayer – real prayer, not remote, scripted prayer – but crying out to God with real honesty type prayer. James 5:17 tells us that Elijah (who was just a guy, with limitations like us) prayed INTENSELY and it did not rain on the earth for 3 1/2 years. Rick Warren has a teaching on Jonah, when Johan was thrown overboard and was falling into the sea, he didn’t pray some remote prayer, he was yelling out to God for help. This is fervent prayer. Do I pray with that kind of fervency? Do I “cry out to God” when I really want something? I really want to up my game in prayer, I really want to believe that there is power in coming boldly before the throne of God with all my might, pleading with Him for all He has for me. I don’t want to pray short little wimpy prayers, I want to pray with earnestness and intensity.
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You and I both♥️
What a poweful testimony this is, Seana Scott with such encouragementto pray without ceasing. “His sovereignty is a mystery at times, but we know He moves when we pray.” These words are so true. We just don’t know how the Lord is working so we keep praying. SRT sisters, keep praying…for the breakthrough, for the answers, for the direction, for the hope, for the help, for the healing, for His will.
I was like Hezekiah, turning to the wall and weeping bitterly in a hospital bed. I was in the prime of my life,(quite literally in what I felt to be the healthiest I had been spiritually, emotionally, physically for quite some time), out of nowhere went from living life to being bedridden over the course of months. My legs would not hold me up, my eyes could not see, I was unable to care for myself; a completely different person, unrecognizable and then in the depths of Sheol with hallucinations and physchotic episodes of hell. It was awful and an endless, darkest night of the soul. And, people prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed some more and the Lord answered. Praise the Lord, His answer was what we prayed for. The road back has not been easy at all – so many struggles still, but God saved me, brought healing to my body and let me live. He has been so faithful and I am reminded continually that I must steward well the story of God’s mighty work in my life and give praise to Him, to honor and glorify the work of His hand. The grave cannot praise, but I can. All praise to the Lord for His mighty work in my life. Soli Deo Gloria.✝️
AMEN and HALLELUJAH!! Thank you Lord, all glory to YOU!! Thank you for blessing us with our dear Wendy B, and her MIGHTY, MIGHTY Testimony!! You are a God that hears and will do exactly what is best and good for those that love you!!
Praise God for His almighty hand upon you! ❤️
I would be remiss if I didn’t say as well, that for years, I have kept a daily praise to the Lord and gratitude journal. I had put into practice taking the time to intentionally position my heart to praise the Lord for the ways He had blessed my life each day. I truly beleive that creating that habit years ago, prepared me to being able to praise Him even though my life slipping away. Is it always easy? Definitely not. Sometimes, it is just for the air we breath or the water coming out of the tap, but its the remembering that God does not change, even though my circumstances do. Praise for who He is and what He has done works hand in hand with our petitions.❤️
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Indeed, such a powerful testimony SEANA SCOTT!!
Thank you WENDY B for such incredible, encouragement and sharing of your own very powerful testimony!!
I echo the words of RHONDA J and am so thankful for the blessing of you…I would love to sit for hours and hear more of what you feel called to share but for now, will simply be thankful for the moments I get to spend in this space!!
All praise to the Lord for His mighty work, indeed, dear Wendy! Echoing our sisters thanks and privilege of time with you here! Love you, sis! ❤
Thank you Wendy for sharing your testimony. I pray it will bless and encourage others.
I’m so thankful God answered those prayers in your life, Wendy. Your testimony is very encouraging. ❤️
I love the order of how Hezekiah sought God. He didn’t immediately call for Prophet Isaiah, he went to the House of God first and then called for The prophet. I see here that though God gives words to men we must first seek God Himself, His presence and word and then listen to those God has placed His hand on to speak for Him!
Oh yes, that’s good wisdom!
Do I do this??!
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Uggg…I just lost it all. (crying face!)
All I had put down, and hit some buttons by accident and gone. Poof! boohooo.
Well, at least God heard all my thoughts.
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Today’s devotional really got me thinking. Whenever I’m not feeling good or praying for healing, I can’t help but remember Hezekiah. I always wonder—does God think I’m second-guessing His plan when I ask for healing? Or is what I have just something I have to live with? Because of that, I always pray, “Lord, please heal me (or whoever I am praying for) if it’s Your will.”
But then, at the same time, I wonder—does God feel like I don’t trust Him enough? Or does He think my prayer isn’t bold enough when I ask for healing? It’s funny how our minds can spin in circles with all the “what-ifs.” But in the end, the most important thing is turning to Him in prayer when we need Him—because that’s where we find peace.
Oh boy do I know this, I do the same thing. Especially with my chronic pain group. Do I have ENOUGH faith, am I BOLD enough, am I praying the right way? Are we receiving “longer” time and not even aware? I too, just try to add “Your will,” but still go in circles.
Maria, I just had this same conversation with the Lord this morning, and came to the same conclusion. We pray! We don’t have to understand or say the correct words. We just pray.
I’ve been struggling with bitterness for a while. And yesterday I just kept thinking, “I’ve got to get rid of this. It’s going to kill me if I don’t get rid of this.” Then I read this verse today:
17 Indeed, it was for my own well-being
that I had such intense bitterness;
but your love has delivered me
from the Pit of destruction,
for you have thrown all my sins behind your back.
Thank you God for throwing away my sins. Please heal my heart. Please soften me again and all me to see your joy and provision, for you are a Father of abundant love!
Amen!! Bitterness is never good, yet we all deal with it at different times! I am glad you gave it to the Lord today!!
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So amazing to see the Lord speaking to us each individually in His word!
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“I prayed to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 You are a God of freedom!
Kathryn, One of my favorite verses!
I love the visual in Hezekiah’s prayer of him taking the letter up to the Lord’s temple and spreading it out before the Lord (Isaiah 34:14)
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When he received the letter questioning God’s authority (for myself, I related it to a situation or challenge that allows doubt to creep in), the first thing he does is take it to the Lord and lay it down before him.
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Then his prayer starts with re-affirming God’s authority and power “…you are God – you alone – of all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth.” (v. 16) Praise is a powerful tool for us to recenter our worldview and bring things back into perspective. And lastly He asks, praying against all odds for the glory of God to be known.
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Such a wonderful reminder this morning. ❤️
I totally….I have loved Hezekiah for a long time (especially after reading Lynn Austin’s 5 books about kings)…but today the image of spreading it out really caught my breath!!
I still love Hezekiah so much! I think it made me think also of Elijah too!! These Bible heroes who did huge things requiring incredible faith (e.g. against would be undefeated invaders, against countless priests of Baal) but then trip up in something else where you wanna say “Why, Sweetie?! Why show them EVERYTHING?! What were you thinking?!” And Elijah “Really?! NOW you’re scared?!” — I guess they were human, eh?! Good reminder to never feel like we’ve “arrived”
I agree with another sister that the way it is written, it makes Hezekiah seem insensitive about “Well, as long as I don’t have to see the destruction, I’m fine!” but I wonder.
I thought the same thing Foster Mom when I saw Hezekiah’s name in the title!! Those books were SO good and helped me organize and see the kings better and their terms! I thought..I should read those again! I like visuals also—LOVING “The House of David!!”
“Praise is a powerful tool for us to recenter our worldview and bring things back into perspective.” A truth I often need to be reminded of. ❤
Spreading it out before the Lord also stood out to me today, great insight Christy!
Sometimes our prayers do turn to disappointments. But God… He is always at work.
Amen
This devotional is such a wonderful reminder that God is always answering our prayers but in His timing and in His will. Just because everything doesn’t work out the way we wanted/hoped does not mean that God isn’t answering. I know this for a fact! Thank you all for your continued prayers! ❤️
I’m praying for each of you and your requests. ❤️
I love when God gives us a peace that passes all understanding. It would be easy to be bitter or mad at God in your situation, but your faith is your testimony! Big Hugs and thank you for sharing with us all these years, you are our blessing!
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❤ thanks for the prayers, Lynne! Love you, sister, and think of you daily! ❤
Good to see your name Lynne! You have been in my prayers! ❤️
Father let coming to You in prayer even with faith only the size of a mustard seed, always be my response. Lord thank You for always hearing my prayers, for Your Kingdom, and Your promises that are yes and amen. In Jesus name, Amen
What a powerful prayer that King Hezekiah prayed! I saw a quote the other day that said “God never failed to answer the prayers of women in the Bible.” He obviously answered them according to His will & perfect timing, but He always answered the prayers of the women of the Bible. May this serve as encouragement for you ladies this week!
Wow ♥️ Thanks for this!
Amen
The king of Assyria planting seeds of doubt with his intimidating tactics – this took me back to Eve in the garden. A good reminder to be guarded when/if confronted by anyone questioning what God says/has said, or who He is. Do I know Him and what He said or did? As a matter of fact, I do know – it’s right here in His word and in my heart.
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Isaiah 37:20 … that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord, You alone.”
Reminded me of You Are God Alone by Phillips, Craig & Dean (written by Billy Foote & Cindy Foote).
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I thought it was cool that God gave Hezekiah a sign (without him asking that I can see), with the sundial moving back. Here, let Me show you…
And then Hezekiah’s pride … showing off to the enemy, and his selfishness, lack of love and compassion (!!!) in his saying, oh well, so they take everything I have along with my sons, making them eunuchs for the enemy … at least I have it good while I’m alive. I would say Unbelievable! except it’s true. :/
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SEANA SCOTT – thank for your testimony of God’s power
TERESA DONLEY – thankful they were able to get things straightened out with Amanda’s port & replacement. Praying for her treatment today. I loved what you said about fact checking the show with the Bible – I do the same thing. I’ve watched The Chosen with my Bible in my lap :)
SAM D – beauuuutiful flowers ❤️
MARI V – praying for your paperwork to be processed and approved as needed
LYDIA HUTER – praying you will feel the comfort and closeness of the Lord as you continue to seek Him and study with us.
CINDY JORDAN – I saw the same show (or similar), The Americas on PBS. The Lord created a lot of beautiful and interesting things, that’s for sure!
CEE GEE ❤️
MERCY ❤️
TINA ❤️ miss you
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️
MIA FAITH ❤️
Agreeing with you, sister! Great thoughts! ❤ Praying for you as you “reinvent” your week after the tough meetings! ❤
Amen to the powerful testimony of SEANA SCOTT. ❤️
Searching – “Do I know him and what he said or did? As a matter of fact, I do …” What a wonderful answer when faced with doubts!
“We might hesitate to seek God in prayer, fearing our hope turning into disappointment at God’s response, whatever it may be.”
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This brought to mind James 4:2 “You do not have, because you do not ask.”
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What is hard to remember is that God’s answers to our prayers may be “no” or “wait” but He ALWAYS answers with what is His best for us. May we have faithful hearts that trust that His plans are perfect.
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TERESA DONLEY – thanks for the update on Amanda. May her chemo treatment go smoothly today.
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SEARCHING – praying the Lord gives you peace about the decisions made yesterday.
Thank you, Kelly. ❤️
Great verse from James, thank you, and the reminder He hears and answers with His best. Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
My husband quoted James 4:2 in his prayers often. ❤️
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I really love your added perspective, “You do not have, because you do not ask.”❤️
This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story and testimony.
Hi- this study has been so good so far, and I am so grateful to be able to participate and read alongside so many other believers during this lent season… I have a prayer request… a cousin of mine has gone missing; his parents and brother are distraught. Please pray that he would be found so that the family can know closure over this whole situation. Thank you…
So sorry about this tragedy, Abigail! Praying for your cousin and the family this morning.
Praying, Abigail, for the family and those searching for your cousin in this heartbreaking situation.
Praying as you requested. Keep us updated as you are able.
Abigail, praying for your family.
I’m so sorry to hear that Abigail! I will be praying over your cousin’s safe return and peace for their family!
Praying for you and your family, precious Abigail! ❤️
I will be praying for your cousins safe return.
Praying for you and your family. May you find peace.
Praying now!
What a terrible worry abd heartache. Have prayed ❤️
Praying Abigail!
Praying for your cousin and his family, Abigail
Oh, Lord God of Hezekiah, God of Samuel Paul, God of Daniel, God of the three saintly youth,….My sweet Lord Jesus…. Please hear our prayers on behalf of ABIGAIL LOPEZ and her loved ones!
Lifting your family in prayer.
Praying your cousin is found soon.
Hugs to you ❤️
Praying!
Praying for your cousin and that he will soon be found – safe! And for his parents, I can’t imagine their fear.
Joining hands in prayer with our sisters around you, Abigail. ❤
Praying for your cousin, Abigal!
Praying for God’s mercies to prevail. May He leave the 99 and pursue the 1 that got away.
Praying❤️