A Prayer for Discernment and Understanding in Troubling Times
"¶ Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall." - Isaiah 36:11
Heavenly Father,
As I come before you today, I reflect on the words of Isaiah 36:11, where Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah requested to hear the words of Rabshakeh in a language that is clear and understood, away from the ears of the people. Your Holy Scriptures reveal to us the importance of communication, especially in times of distress. Lord, just as Eliakim and his companions sought clarity, I beseech You to grant me a similar desire for understanding in my own life.
O Lord, in a world filled with noise and confusion, I ask that you equip me with discernment. Help me to differentiate between truth and deceit, especially when faced with opposing voices that seek to undermine my faith or instill fear into my heart. Teach me, O God, to lean not on my own understanding, but to seek your guidance in every situation. Just as Eliakim and his companions recognized the need for wisdom in their conversation with Rabshakeh, may I be mindful of the words I choose to engage with.
Father, I long to be wise with my words and to listen carefully to those around me. In a time where many speak without thinking, give me a spirit of patience and discernment. Grant me the grace to pause and reflect, to understand the implications of my responses, and to always seek to uphold your truth in my conversations. Lord, help me to speak in a manner that builds up others rather than tears them down. May the words that come from my mouth be rooted in love, compassion, and kindness.
Lord, I lift up all those who are on the walls of their own fortresses, those who are filled with fear and anxiety as they hear troubling news, much like the people in the days of Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah. Remember them, O Lord, and bring them peace in the midst of the storm. May they find solace in Your promises, recognizing that You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
I pray for the leaders of our nations and communities, just like Eliakim had the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Grant them wisdom and courage, to lead with integrity and to speak truthfully in a language that uplifts and empowers their people. Help them to communicate effectively, to address the pressing issues of their day with clarity and compassion, fostering an environment of unity rather than division. Lord, expose any hidden agendas that seek to manipulate or control the hearts of the people.
As I navigate through my day-to-day challenges, I ask that You help me also to develop the spiritual ears to hear. Let me not be like those who ignore Your voice but instead listen intently for Your guidance. Fill me with the Holy Spirit that my actions might reflect your light in a world often clouded in darkness. May my understanding of situations deepen as I hold onto Your Word, remembering that You are always with me, guiding me every step along the way.
I thank you, Lord, for the gift of communication and understanding, and I ask that your Spirit continues to lead me into deeper knowledge of Your will. Let my interactions reflect the heart of Christ, fostering peace and understanding wherever I go.
In all these things, I trust you, for You alone know the plans You have for me and for those around me—a hope and a future that fills our hearts with trust.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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Isaiah 36:11 - "¶ Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall."
"¶ Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall." - Isaiah 36:11
Romana 11:33-36
Nehemiah 11:36 - "And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin."
1 Chronicles 11:36 - "Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,"
Isaiah 36:21 - "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
John 11:36 - "Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!"
Isaiah 36:14 - "Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you."
Genesis 36:11 - "And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz."
Isaiah 36:19 - "Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?"
Job 36:11 - "If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures."
Psalm 8:3-6
Romans 11:36 - "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
Hebrews 11:36 - "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:"
Isaiah 36:13 - "Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria."
Psalms 36:11 - "Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me."
Isaiah 11
Isaiah 36:3 - "Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder."
Psalms 36 verse 3-6
"Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite," - 1 Chronicles 11:36
"And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin." - Nehemiah 11:36
Isaiah 36:17 - "Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards."
Numbers 36:11 - "For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons:"
Leviticus 11:36 - "Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcase shall be unclean."
Jeremiah 36:11 - "¶ When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,"
Isaiah 36:20 - "Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?"
Isaiah 36:15 - "Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria."
Isaiah 36:9 - "How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?"
2 Chronicles 36:11 - "¶ Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem."
Isaiah 11:1