For there were many in the assembly who had not sanctified themselves: therefore the Levites were in charge of killing the Passovers for everyone who was not clean, to sanctify them to Yahweh. For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover other than the way it is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, 'May the good Yahweh pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God, Yahweh, the God of his fathers, even if they aren't clean according to the purification of the sanctuary.' Yahweh listened to Hezekiah, and healed the people. 2 Chronicles 30:17 WEBThe people had broken God's law concerning the passover and were now in sin. In the past, many had died for less than this. They ate the passover while they were unclean because they had not cleansed themselves as the law required. Hezekiah prayed for them, the Lord heard him, then healed the people. In this scripture, the prayer of one man who was living right, made the difference between life and death, between judgement or a pardon from God, for the other people who were not.
In Ezekiel 22:30 God sought a man to stand in the gap so that He would not have to destroy the land, but He found none. Abraham interceded with God in the case of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord agreed to spare the city if only ten righteous people were found in it, because Abraham asked Him (Genesis 18:23). James said that there are times that we have not, because we do not ask (James 4:2).
Never cease to pray for the lost. Though they may seem so far away from the Lord, nothing is impossible for God. In my experience I have seen that those fighting against God the hardest, are the fish that are already on the hook and struggling to get away. They can suddenly come to Jesus and be the most the most zealous among us. You may be the only one that is standing in the gap for that person. Your intercession may be the difference between judgement, or mercy. Your prayer today may be the one that God hears for them.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please put those on my heart that I should pray for. Speak to me in a way that I understand, and give me the right words. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: Happy Monday! The RHM Live Bible Study chapter of the week is now available, covering Acts 18! Don't worry if you are not caught up because even studying one chapter may contain the lesson you need for today! You can also start anytime if you want to study them in order. Here is the link:
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Amen, my aunt prayed for me in the fifties and sixties before she passed in 1963. Her prayers and those of others have kept me these 66 1/2 years. Prayer is the backbone of faith and hope. An anchor for the soul.
Good Morning,
God has blessed me greatly by Pastor Dion's devotional this morning and by reading what you said . Thank you for your comment. It was exactly what I needed to see as I am also a "Praying Aunt".
God bless you.
Yes Lord, amen
Amen Father!
I needed this message today. I have an adult daughter who has rebelled throughout her entire adult life, and she has recently taken things to another level. She is so selfish that she didn't even accompany her son to help him set up his dorm for his freshman year of college. I pray with faith, and I believe that God's timing is perfect. Meanwhile, my daughter still flounders. I trust that God will work things out perfectly, in accordance with His perfect will.
Amen Lord!
Amen Lord
Amen!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please put those on my heart that I should pray for. Speak to me in a way that I understand, and give me the right words. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Fater I'd like to pray for my son-in-law>>ex son in law<< that he make good choices conserning the safety, health, and wellfare of his children, that he chooses to richly support them and not minumly. That he take care of all his past mistakes and moves forward into healthy choices and that he finds God in the process. Thank you Amen
Yes...same prayer here
God please put faith in my Grandson Willy’s heart. Please God steer him and Chris in the right direction. In the name of Jesus Amen
Thanks for this devotional.I pray for salvation for my family. Amen
Please draw my brother Ricky to You and lead him to believe and live for You, Amen.
I lift up my unsaved family members before you Lord that they will be saved and come closer to you. Thank you Father for hearing my prayers. I believe and confess that they will all come to know you. Amen.
Dear Father in Heaven, I pray to You for the right words to use for those I love and need to be close to You. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
I love picturing your description ..of a fish on a hook struggling to get away. I thought of verses when reading...they didn't cleanse themselves'...Create in me a clean heart Oh God & renew a right spirit within me..love the song too..
Yes Pastor...I am praying for my daughter and husband to accept Jesus as their personal Saviour...to experience His peace. To enjoy His goodness. And this devotional has encouraged me to continue praying knowing that He hears me and will answer my prayer.
Thanks Pastor....
Stay Blessed!
Amen! Yes, Lord, please use me, fill me with Thy Spirit, teach and direct me, in Jesus name I ask and pray, Amen!
Amen!