Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionPublic prayer in the Bible often serves as a powerful expression of faith, leadership, and communal worship. The Book of Joshua, a historical narrative detailing the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, provides several instances where public prayer plays a crucial role. Joshua, as a leader appointed by God, exemplifies the importance of seeking divine guidance and intervention through prayer. Joshua's Leadership and Prayer Joshua, the successor of Moses, is depicted as a man of faith and obedience. His leadership is marked by a reliance on God's guidance, often sought through prayer. One of the most notable instances of public prayer in Joshua's life occurs during the battle against the Amorites. The Battle Against the Amorites In Joshua 10, the Israelites face a coalition of Amorite kings. As the battle progresses, Joshua prays publicly for divine intervention. In Joshua 10:12-14 , it is recorded: "On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: 'O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel." This passage highlights the power of public prayer and God's responsiveness to the prayers of His faithful servant. Joshua's prayer is not only a request for a miraculous event but also a demonstration of his faith in God's sovereignty and power. The Covenant Renewal at Shechem Another significant instance of public prayer and commitment occurs in Joshua 24, where Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. Here, he leads the people in a covenant renewal ceremony, reminding them of God's faithfulness and calling them to serve the LORD wholeheartedly. Although the text does not explicitly record a prayer, the entire assembly is an act of communal dedication and worship, akin to a public prayer of commitment. Joshua 24:14-15 states: "Now therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth. Cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve—the gods your fathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." This declaration serves as a public affirmation of faith and a call to the people to renew their commitment to God, reflecting the essence of public prayer as a communal act of worship and dedication. Conclusion The Book of Joshua illustrates the significance of public prayer in the life of Israel and its leaders. Through Joshua's example, believers are reminded of the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in times of need and the power of communal expressions of faith and commitment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 7:6-9And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust on their heads. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Articles of Religion of the Reformed Episcopal Church in America. ... Of Stations, and of the Hours of Prayer. The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts "And Watch unto Prayer. " Book 5 Footnotes The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615. Methodist Articles of Religion. AD 1784. Light through Darkness Describes an Effect which Proves the Prayer Spoken of in the Last ... The Great Duty of Family Religion 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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