King Hezekiah was considered in the sight of God. In 2 Kings 20:1-11 we read that the king of Judah had fallen ill and was at the point of death. Isaiah came to the king and told him to get his house in order because he would not recover. Upon hearing this news, Hezekiah turned to the wall, wept bitterly, and prayed this prayer to God:

“Now, O LORD, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.”

Before Isaiah could get too far away, God responded to Hezekiah. God told Isaiah to turn back and give the king this message:

“Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD, and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.”

When I think of prayer, I often think of this idea that it must be this dramatic and elegant thing full of expensive words which I offer to God. This scripture shows what true prayer is and that is a pouring out to God. Even though Hezekiah said very few words, they were genuine and right. Because of this, God heard his prayer, would grant him 15 more years of life when he goes to the house of the Lord on the third day, and even blesses him further by delivering him and the city from the king of Assyria.

This week I challenge us to grow in our ability to be genuine in our prayers. May we focus on who God is and express our needs through the pouring out of our hearts to Him. God doesn’t respond because of our elegant words, he responds when we are genuine towards Him.