“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer!” – Psalm 61:1 (GNT)
The Bible is a book filled with prayers – prayers of every kind; prayers of all descriptions; prayers being offered and said by every category of persons. And our God hears and answers prayers.
The prayer said by King Manasseh (King Hezekiah’s eldest son, the 14th King of the Kingdom of Judah) is a prayer of true repentance. In 2nd Chronicles 33:1-20 (GNT), we read about King Manasseh’s “disgusting practices” (Verse 2) and how he “sinned against the Lord”. He made images, worshipped false gods, and even sacrificed his sons. Moreover, he led the people of Judah to commit grave sins against God. God was angry and allowed him to be placed in captivity in chains.
In his suffering, King Manasseh remembered the Lord God of Israel, humbled himself, and “begged for help” (Verse 12). God answered his prayers by allowing him to return to Jerusalem. Scripture says, “This convinced Manasseh that the Lord was God.” King Manasseh’s prayer of repentance was answered, and he immediately removed everything that was unlike God.
As always, friends, God is recognised as the Supreme One, the One Lifted Up on High, the One who is the Greatest, the One who rolls back the waters, the Almighty One.
We recognise God as the one who can crush us for our wrongdoings, but is always merciful to us. He is a God who forgives, a God who made repentance possible for sinners. Even when our sins are abundant and grave and even when our sins make Him angry, with deep humility, we can ask for pardon and forgiveness.
God forgives the penitent.
Ask God to help us be like the sinful woman in Luke 7:38, bowing in tears at our Saviour’s feet. With our tears, let us wash His feet and dry them with our hair, as we humble ourselves before Him.
Prayer
Father God, in showing us Your mercy and kindness and giving us salvation undeservedly, teach us to praise You as long as we live, just as the heavenly powers sing Your praises. May Your glory endures forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Mark 11:24; 1 John 5:14-15
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 21:27-31; Proverbs 22:1-6; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Isaiah 8:11-22; Isaiah 9; Isaiah 10:1-19