The Godly Kings of JudahSample

Reforming Prayer

When we were in Ireland with our boys, our bed-and-breakfast’s charming host gathered us together in her parlor to tell the boys a story. The Irish love to talk about their history and are marvelous storytellers. The boys sat on her sofa, wide-eyed and mesmerized by the lilt of her Irish brogue as she proceeded to share with us that the Cavanaugh Clan came from a long line of noble warriors who fought bravely against the enemies attempting to conquer Ireland’s lands.

She mentioned that there were some Cavanaugh castles in the area, so we set out on a quest to see these noble places of our ancestors. When we arrived, we were more than disappointed. We were devastated at what lay before our eyes: a castle in ruins with no roof, missing walls, and moss and grass growing in and around the aged, rough-hewn blocks that at one time formed a mighty fortress.

Hezekiah inherited a kingdom nearly in ruin following the 16-year reign of his father, King Ahaz. Idolatry, child sacrifice, pagan altars on every corner in Jerusalem, and alliances with the surrounding nations were only a few of Ahaz’s evil deeds. The holy temple was desecrated with altars to foreign gods, and Ahaz closed and shut God’s holy temple down tight. The people had never been so idolatrous.

It’s hard to imagine Hezekiah’s cleanup job before him to restore the temple worship his father Ahaz had devastated, both physically and spiritually. Hezekiah could have easily turned and followed in his father’s footsteps, continued walking in evil ways, or created his method of worship, hiding his pain in silence. His story gives us hope when the generation before us has paved a path of ungodliness and hurt others.

Hezekiah most likely had deep wounds from a destructive father, yet he turned his pain into worship and prayer, resulting in Judah’s reformation. His decision to put God at the center not only brought healing to his soul but to the nation. You might be a victim of someone else’s sinful choices, totally out of your control. Don’t let the pain and wounds cause you to close the doors on your relationship with Jesus. Allow God to use your pain as a catalyst to live out His promises with faith and courage. Just take one faithful step at a time, bringing your sacrifice of praise with thanksgiving in worship and prayer.

Reflection: Is there some hidden pain in your life that keeps you from opening the doors to worship?