Jonah's Prayer

This year’s Winter Camp teaching consisted of going through the book of Jonah with the teens. I was assigned to teach chapter 2, Jonah’s prayer.

It is awesome what you gain by the study of God’s Word—not merely reading it but studying it. I encourage you to be purposeful in your time in God’s Word. Reading plans are great, but study is where you find the gems: the application, conviction, and knowledge.

Despite Jonah being the world’s worst missionary EVER, chapter 2 ends with Jonah at his best. His best shows up AFTER prayer! He ends it with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving towards God saying “salvation comes from the Lord! “At this point he is still in the belly of the giant fish. He is still under the righteous judgment of God for his disobedience! He is still at the lowest point of his life as he is about to faint away (die). He is at the bottom of the ocean—literally as far from the throne of God as he can get— yet after he prays his heart is changed. His self-will and self-reliance have been transferred to their rightful place. How?

As Jonah prays, you can see his heart change, because he prays truth back to God. He prays to God about the things he knows about Him. He speaks about God’s character, His sovereign rule, and His righteous judgments.

When we pray to God, we are acknowledging our dependence and reliance on Him. By praying to Him about His sovereignty over all circumstances, over all of creation, and that all His judgments are righteous, our hearts will be comforted. Our stress, anxiety, and anger melt away. Our God is on His throne!

Is there more to see and learn from Jonah’s prayer? Oh absolutely! But don’t let me spoon feed you. Why don’t you mine the gems out of the prayer for yourself and your family? Why not let the Word of God change your perspective and your self-reliance?

Prayer is not solely for making your requests known to God. It is also for worship and for changing your will into His will. It changes a complaining heart into a heart that praises in the storm!! Our prayers can comfort our own souls, and they can correct our hearts as we pray. It could be why God commands us to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16–17).1 Peter 5:7 says, “cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.”

Church, we need to pray more. Make your prayers purposeful. Pray to God and worship Him in truth, pray the things of God revealed in scripture back to Him and watch as your heart receives comfort because He is so worthy to be praised. He is on His throne. Salvation comes from the Lord! Amen!