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2 Chronicles 34 – Praying through the Bible #142 – A Prayer Acted Out
OK, it bothers me. It’s not there and should be. Have you ever felt that way about a Bible story; that something essential is missing? It is recorded about lesser kings; even mostly evil ones. It is recorded about equally great kings; even emphasized. So why is it missing in Josiah’s story? Maybe it isn’t. Let’s see if we can find Josiah praying.
King Josiah “did what was right in the LORD’s sight and walked in the ways of his ancestor David; he did not turn aside to the right or the left” (2 Chronicles 34.2). David was a prayerful man; and this same comparative praise to David was used of Hezekiah, a man of prayer (29.2). Could Josiah walk in God’s ways without praying?
When about 20, “Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David” (34.3). Seeking God often includes prayer. During this seeking he demolishes the idols violating the cleanliness of God’s land (34.3-7). When about 30, Josiah begins repairing the temple. Again unstated, but no doubt prayer is involved. While in this endeavor Hilkiah finds the book of the law, written by the hand of Moses (34.14-15). When Josiah “heard the words of the law, he tore his clothes” (34.19). Repentance is seeking God, usually involving prayer. Still, no specifics of Josiah praying; just a lifestyle linked to prayer.
Then the king commands “Go. Ask Yahweh for me and for those remaining in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book that was found” (34.21). Asking another for their prayers is vicarious prayer, an imitable practice. The servants go to Huldah the prophetess to inquire of God (34.22). Her answer implies Josiah is involved in the divine communiqué: “Say this to the king of Judah who sent you to ask Yahweh…” (34.26).
Then God’s language gets very intriguing: “…because you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I Myself have heard” (34.29). God doesn’t say, “seen,” God answers Josiah’s actions as if the actions were prayers.
After this, the king “went up” (34.30) to the temple; another action like unto prayer. There he reads the words of the covenant to all the people, stands at his post and “made a covenant in the LORD’s presence to follow the LORD…with all his heart, and with all his soul in order to carry out the words of the covenant written in this book” (34.31). Since this was a promise to God made in the presence of others, isn’t this another acted out prayer?
God “heard” Josiah’s actions as a prayer. Reminds me of the song “Father God” – “May my steps be worship, May my thoughts be praise, May my words bring honor to Your Name.” May we be Christians whom others know we pray, even if not seeing us. May God hear our actions even when the word prayer is not used. May our life be a prayer.
Prayer Request: Pray to act like we know God is hearing our life as a prayer.
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