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JACOB’S PRAYER IN TROUBLE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Genesis 32:9-12

Psalm 9:11-20

 

Continue in prayers.

 

JACOB’S PRAYER IN TROUBLE
 
In times of trouble, what distinguishes a believer from an unbeliever? The privilege of prayer! This makes all the difference in the world. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16).
 
Grace to help in time of need! If anybody needed it, it was Jacob at the River Jabbok! In his extreme distress with no earthly help to turn to, he looked up and the way opened for him to the heavenly throne of grace. Notice the main points in Jacob’s prayer:
 
1. “O God of my father Abraham… my father Isaac…” (Gen 32:9). Jacob acknowledged the greater worth of Abraham and Isaac: to call God their God, because the covenant was first made with them. In his humility, he dared not presume to call God his own God. He must have felt unworthy.
 
2. “the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country…” (Gen 32:9). His hazardous journey was not of his own making, but in strict obedience to God’s command. If God initiated the return, will He not ensure its success?
 
3. “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies…” (Gen 32:10). Before the righteous and holy God, who can be worthy? Jacob was so humbled that he could only offer up self-denial and self-abasement as his credentials. And yet, God had so prospered him beyond measure!
 
4. “Deliver me, I pray thee… from the hand of my brother… Esau…” (Gen 32:11) who comes with his four hundred, and what defence have we poor travellers, women and children?
 
THOUGHT: “Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2:9).

PRAYER: May I always look to Thee for guidance, Heavenly Father.

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