Topical Bible: Prayer: Ezra

◄ Prayer: Ezra ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Ezra, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, is renowned for his devout commitment to the Law of God and his leadership in the spiritual reformation of the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. His life and ministry are chronicled primarily in the Book of Ezra, where his dedication to prayer is prominently featured as a vital aspect of his leadership and spiritual influence.

Ezra's Background and Context

Ezra was a scribe and priest, descended from Aaron, the brother of Moses. He lived during the time of the Persian Empire, under the reign of King Artaxerxes. Ezra was instrumental in leading a group of exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem, a journey that was not only physical but also spiritual, as he sought to restore the worship and adherence to the Law of God among the people of Israel.

Ezra's Prayer Life

Ezra's commitment to prayer is evident in several key moments throughout the biblical narrative. His prayers are characterized by deep humility, confession, and a fervent desire for God's guidance and mercy.

1. Prayer for Protection and Guidance: Before embarking on the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, Ezra proclaimed a fast to seek God's protection. In Ezra 8:21-23 , he states, "Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our children, and all our possessions. For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on the way, because we had told the king, 'The hand of our God is upon all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.' So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request." This passage highlights Ezra's reliance on God rather than human means for safety, demonstrating his faith and trust in divine providence.

2. Prayer of Confession: Upon arriving in Jerusalem and learning of the people's intermarriage with foreign nations, which was against the Law, Ezra was deeply grieved. His response was a heartfelt prayer of confession and repentance on behalf of the people. Ezra 9:5-6 records, "At the evening offering, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God and prayed: 'O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to You, my God, because our iniquities have increased over our heads and our guilt has grown up to the heavens.'" Ezra's prayer continues with a detailed confession of the people's sins, acknowledging God's righteousness and mercy.

3. Intercessory Prayer: Ezra's prayers were not only personal but also intercessory, as he stood in the gap for the nation of Israel. His prayers reflect a deep concern for the spiritual state of the people and a desire for their restoration to a covenant relationship with God. Ezra's intercession is a powerful example of the role of prayer in seeking national repentance and renewal.

Impact of Ezra's Prayers

Ezra's prayers had a profound impact on the community of Israel. His leadership through prayer and adherence to the Law led to a significant spiritual revival among the people. The public confession and repentance that followed his prayers resulted in a renewed commitment to the covenant and the Law of God. Ezra's example underscores the importance of prayer in leadership and the transformative power of seeking God with a humble and contrite heart.

In summary, Ezra's life and ministry exemplify the critical role of prayer in seeking God's guidance, confessing sin, and interceding for others. His prayers were instrumental in the spiritual renewal of Israel, demonstrating the power of a faithful and prayerful leader in aligning a community with the will of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 9:5,6
And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to the LORD my God,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ezra, the Praying Reformer
... Intense and prevailing prayer had accomplished its end. Ezra's praying had brought
into being and brought forth results in a great work for God. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/vii ezra the praying reformer.htm

Ezra-Nehemiah
... a settled and orderly life, which was hardly possible until the city was fortified
and the walls built by Nehemiah; indeed, Ezra, in his prayer, mentions the ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezra-nehemiah.htm

Prayer and the House of God
... of such grave importance, as to demand his consulting God in prayer about it ... When
Ezra, returned from Babylon, was seeking the reconstruction of his nation, the ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiv prayer and the house.htm

Concerted Prayer
... Prayer and Church discipline are not new revelations of the Christian dispensation. ...
Instances are too numerous to mention all of them. Ezra is a case in point. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the essentials of prayer/xi concerted prayer.htm

Elijah --Passionate in Prayer
... Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself
down ... for the people wept very sore." There also is passion in prayer for you ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/vi elijahpassionate in prayer.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... past age as she was, in answer to the prayer of Zacharias. Elisha's praying brought
famine or harvest to Israel; as he prayed so it was. Ezra's praying carried ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

The Source of Power in Prayer.
... I am not speaking of any prayer union or any prayer time statedly set apart, but ...
say, "I have nothing to do with it." When the people had sinned Ezra rent his ...
/.../murray/the masters indwelling/xii the source of power.htm

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
... 1 Pet. iv.7.""And watch unto prayer.". "Watch." A Christian should watch. ... He
is in greater hazard after victory than before, Ezra 6:13. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi and watch unto.htm

The Christian Prayer
... Notable Instances of Prayer, and the response of God, are shown in the following
passages of ... Elijah (1 Kings 18:37-46), Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:2-6), Ezra (9:5-15 ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study vii the christian prayer.htm

Prayer and Praying Men
... VII. EZRA, THE PRAYING REFORMER. VIII. NEHEMIAH, THE PRAYING BUILDER. IX. SAMUEL,
THE CHILD OF PRAYER. X. DANIEL, THE PRAYING CAPTIVE. XI. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/