Prayer that moves God

There are moments in life when it seems that time itself stops!

The moment your doctor tells you that you have cancer. Or that unexpected call informing you that your spouse died in an accident. Or your boss telling you that your job has been eliminated.

When the an unexpected tragedy occurs, you turn to God and beg Him for help.

The prophet Isaiah visited King Hezekiah, the king of Judah, with some bad news. Isaiah told the king to “set his house in order, for you are going to die” (Isaiah 38:1).

Hezekiah was a good king who trusted in God. He was young too. Many believe he was around 39 years old. He reacted like most of us would have. Hezekiah prayed and reminded God of all he had done up to that point. Then, he broke down and wept bitterly.

God then gave a new message to Isaiah for the young king:

“Tell Hezekiah that I have heard his prayer and seen his tears. I will add fifteen years to his life” (Isaiah 38:5).

Prayer that moves God is humility. He is not impressed with all you’ve done for Him. Later in the book of Isaiah we read, “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word“ (Isaiah 66:2b).

Just as God was moved to action because of Hezekiah’s humility and trembling at God’s word (and power), he received a great blessing.

When you experience something bigger than yourself, sincerely seek God with a broken heart. And learn to accept His response no matter what it is.