Topical Encyclopedia Private prayer, a deeply personal and intimate communication with God, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. The book of Isaiah, a major prophetic work in the Old Testament, provides profound insights into the nature and importance of private prayer. Isaiah, a prophet called by God during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, often emphasizes the necessity of sincere and heartfelt communication with the Divine.Isaiah's Call to Prayer Isaiah's ministry begins with a powerful vision of God in the temple, as recorded in Isaiah 6. This encounter underscores the holiness of God and the need for personal purification before approaching Him in prayer. Isaiah's response, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5), highlights the prophet's awareness of his own sinfulness and the necessity of repentance in private prayer. The Role of the Heart in Prayer Throughout the book, Isaiah emphasizes that God desires genuine prayer that comes from the heart. In Isaiah 29:13, the Lord laments, "These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me." This verse underscores the importance of sincerity in prayer, warning against mere outward expressions of devotion without true inner commitment. Prayer and Repentance Isaiah frequently calls the people of Israel to repentance, linking it with effective prayer. In Isaiah 1:15-16, God declares, "When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil." Here, the prophet stresses that unrepentant sin can hinder prayer, and that a contrite heart is essential for communion with God. God's Readiness to Hear Despite the people's waywardness, Isaiah assures them of God's readiness to hear and respond to sincere prayer. In Isaiah 65:24, the Lord promises, "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." This assurance reflects God's omniscience and His eagerness to engage with those who earnestly seek Him. The Example of Hezekiah A notable example of private prayer in Isaiah is found in the account of King Hezekiah. When faced with a terminal illness, Hezekiah turns to God in private prayer, weeping bitterly and pleading for his life. In response, God sends the prophet Isaiah to tell Hezekiah, "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life" (Isaiah 38:5). This narrative illustrates the power of fervent, personal prayer and God's compassionate response to the cries of His people. Prayer for Deliverance Isaiah also records prayers for deliverance, particularly in times of national crisis. In Isaiah 37, when Jerusalem is threatened by the Assyrian army, King Hezekiah goes to the temple and spreads out the threatening letter before the Lord, praying for deliverance. God answers through Isaiah, assuring Hezekiah that the city will be saved. This episode highlights the role of private prayer in seeking divine intervention and protection. Conclusion The book of Isaiah offers rich insights into the practice of private prayer, emphasizing sincerity, repentance, and the assurance of God's readiness to hear. Through the examples and teachings found in Isaiah, believers are encouraged to approach God with a humble and contrite heart, confident in His willingness to listen and respond to their prayers. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 20:11And Isaiah the prophet cried to the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Prayer Of a Private Fast. Intercourse of Jesus with the Pagans and the Samaritans. Another Shorter Evening Prayer. Jer. 6:16 the Good Way. Prayer Prayer and the House of God The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ... Question Lxxxiii of Prayer Breaking with God. Resources Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.org What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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