Isaiah 36-39 Prayer For A Very Sick Friend

I have been praying for my dear friend.  She’s right now in a fight for her life against an infection, not unlike Hezekiah’s illness in these verses.  

When Hezekiah received word from Isaiah that he would die, Hezekiah turned in his bed toward the wall and prayed to the Lord, crying loudly.  God the told Isaiah to tell Hezekiah, “I have heard your prayers and seen your tears.  So I will add 15 years to your life.”

My commentary said to take note of Hezekiah’s response in verses 15-17.  Hezekiah said, “The Lord told me what would happen and then made it happen.  I have had these troubles IN MY SOUL, so now I will be humble all my life.  Lord, because of You, people live.  Because of You, my spirit also lives; You made me well and let me live.  It was for my own good that I had such troubles.  Because You love me very much, You did not let me die but threw my sins far away.”

My commentary says:  “Hezekiah acknowledges that by these afflictions men live, and that they have a beneficial influence on man’s character.”  Hezekiah’s faith was strengthened by his ordeal and by God’s gracious response to his prayer.  He determined to praise God all the days of his life.

In the same way, Father, we pray for my friend.  By these afflictions, allow her to live, and let them have a beneficial influence on not just her character, but also on the faith of her family and friends.  As Hezekiah prayed in chapter 17, we also pray.  We spread this out before You:  Lord All-Powerful, You are the God of Israel.  Only You are God of all the kingdoms of the earth.  You made the heavens and the earth.  Hear, Lord, and listen.  Open Your eyes, Lord, and see.  Now, Lord our God, save her from this disease’s power so that everyone everywhere will know that You, Lord, are the only God.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford