Memory Verses: Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came [up] to his holy dwelling place, [even] unto heaven.  2 Chronicles 30:27

Sometimes when the heart is burdened, it may seem that it can’t get a prayer through. But this is not the only reason one can feel that the height of the ceiling is as far as a prayer is reaching.

In today’s reading, Hezekiah began to reign at the age of twenty-five. What he may have lacked in outward appearance (Proverbs 16:31), was evident still in pure obedience to the commandment of God.  And not only did he serve the Lord in secret, he wasted no time in repairing the temple of the Lord that had been neglected (2 Chronicles 29:3);  and causing the whole kingdom to return to serving God only, from idol worship – which had brought a curse.

The Word tells us that there were even priests who were ashamed when Hezekiah called for sanctification, because they had been so long removed from their daily offices of the temple, that they had become stagnant in their personal walk with God. In this condition, they could not have offered atonement for the people. The reason they would not “get a prayer through” in this condition, is because their conscience would convict them. It is like the reason we must be sanctified more and more in preparing to meet Christ. Because He is so holy, we would not be able to stand before Him in a holy place otherwise.  It was the same way in the original garden of Eden. The created hid from the creator because they were ashamed.

But even in shortcoming witnessed by the elect, we have another example of God’s grace and mercy. When Hezekiah called for sanctification (2  Chronicles 29:11) and for leaving no unholy stone unturned, see how the priests responded:

15And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD. 16And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the LORD into the court of the house of the LORD. And the Levites took it, to carry it out abroad into the brook Kidron. 17Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of the LORD: so they sanctified the house of the LORD in eight days; and in the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.

Because Hezekiah took a stand, and because the people returned to God completely, God also repealed the judgment against them.

When God presses upon us – whether by direct communication or divine inspiration, to come after Him afresh, He is showing His awesome character of mercy. He reminds us once again that even He has promised to restore us each and every one (Isaiah 43:25), when and if we who are called by His name, would humble ourselves and pray.

12 And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. 13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:12-15