9 Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord, who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your relatives, and I will prosper you,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the lovingkindness and of all the faithfulness which You have shown to Your servant; for with my staff only I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two companies. 11 Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, that he will come and attack me and the mothers with the children. 12 For You said, ‘I will surely prosper you and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which is too great to be numbered.’
Jacob honestly admits his fear and anxiety as he anticipates meeting Esau after living far away with his uncle Laban for many years. He left home, fleeing for his life because of Esau's anger over Jacob's deceitful scheme to obtain their father's blessing. Now as nears home, he doesn't know what to expect. His response is to pray, and his prayer includes thanksgiving. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, WITH THANKSGIVING, let your requests be made known to God. Phil 4:6 How quick are you to pray when you are fearful or anxious. Does your prayer include thanksgiving? Jacob then gives a specific request. How specific are you when you pray? How does Jacob end this prayer? What promises of God can encourage you in the situations you are facing today? Take a few minutes and ponder them. Who do you know that you could encourage by sharing one or two with them? It could make a big difference.
What else do you see in this prayer? How does it challenge you?
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