The Power and Privilege of Prayer

*CONGREGATIONAL READING: 2 Kings 19:1-37 *

I. HISTORICAL EXPLANATION OF OUR TEXT

Reforms from Hezekiah
1. the righteous reign of Hezekiah, 18:1-8
2. the Rabshakeh of Sennacherib speaks, 18:13-37
Reassurance from Isaiah
1. Hezekiah hears the report, 19:1
2. Hezekiah sends officers to Isaiah, 19:2-5
3. holy words of encouragement for Hezekiah, 19:6-7
Rabshakeh's Return to Assyria
1. a rumor causes Rabshakeh's return, 19:8
2. a rebuking letter from Sennacherib for Hezekiah, 19:9-13
Receiving a Letter from Sennacherib
1. Hezekiah goes to the house of the LORD, 19:14
2. Hezekiah prays before the LORD, 19:15-19
Response of the LORD through Isaiah
1. a prophecy concerning Sennacherib, 19:20-28
2. a prophetic sign for Hezekiah, 19:29-31
3. a prophetic promise to Hezekiah, 19:32-34
4. a prophecy comes to pass, 19:35-37

II. HOLY APPLICATION FROM OUR TEXT

A Soul Saved by God's Grace Prays (Power)
1. consulting God's prophetic Word, vv2-5
2. coming into God's presence, v14
3. calling unto a holy God, v15
4. complaining that God Himself has been offended, vv16-18
5. crying out for help, 19
- a. components behind the model prayer, Matt 6:9-13

A Sovereign God's Eternal Workings (Secret)
1. "I determined it long ago" v25
2. "and your complacency has come into My ears" v28

A Savior Who Can Be Trusted in All Things (Privilege)
1. Jesus paid the price for our guilt & shame
- a. "hallowed be Your name" Matt 6:9
2. Jesus provides us access to the Father's presence, plans, purposes
- a. "Your kingdom come. Your will be done" Matt 6:10
3. Jesus promotes His kingdom through our faithful prayers
- a. "give us…forgive us… lead us… deliver us" Matt 6:11-13
--- i. 1 Thess 5:17