Read Genesis 32: 3 – 12
And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which sadist unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee. Genesis 32: 9 KJV
On a collision course with his brother Esau, Jacob did not know what would happen; this caused him to be greatly afraid and distressed. Some of our most dreadful occasions are the ones filled with uncertainty. Jacob put himself on God in a very emotional prayer. He began based on the promises of God. Praying God’s promises is both encouraging and sure to have God’s agreement. Along with this he prayed concerning what he knew to be God’s will for him. As with His promises, praying according to God’s will is sure to make our prayers strong. He also prayed based on his experience of God’s mercies. This showed both humility and gratitude for all God had done for him. Based on God’s mercy, will, and promises Jacob then acknowledged his fear and asked God for deliverance. It was an emotional, well-worded, and specific prayer, and gained the answer he sought.
Lord, I am grateful in times of distress you are ready to hear the cries of your people. Never have I been disappointed when turning to you.
A question to ponder: What mercies, promises, and revealed will of God would you use when praying in a time of distress?
