Reflection: Here in this one verse are some simple guidelines for prayer. Ezra was leading the Children of Israel on a journey back to Jerusalem and they started with prayer. Prayer for: their journey, their selves, their children, and their goods. The prayer started with hardship – Ezra called on the people to fast, so that their hearts would be ready to pray.
It is a reminder that unless we do some things practically – in the natural – we won’t have the impact on the spiritual. God expects us to act in his name.
Prayer changes us, as John Newton, author of Amazing Grace, so eloquently described: “I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.”
Prayer: Father God,help me to be satisfied with who I am in you. Thank you for your word which sets out principles for how to pray. Praise your name in the highest heavens. Open my eyes to the needs you call me to address. In your Son’s precious name, Amen.