The Praying Prophet

Trapped in the belly of the great fish, Jonah was through running from God. There, alone in the dark and cold depths of the sea, the prophet humbled himself and turned to God in brokenness. Humanly speaking, this was a nightmare that could only end in destruction. Yet from God’s perspective, this was a gracious mission of rescue that would save the boat and its crew, and preserve the life of Jonah so that he could fulfill God’s will. Jonah knew that he should be dead. But God had a greater plan, and so Jonah began to praise God and pray through the Psalms. He cried out in a prayer that was plain and passionate, and acknowledged with thanksgiving his need for the temple and payment for sin. God’s righteous judgment begins with His people, and we should always respond with prayerful adoration. Our prayers need not be long or eloquent, but simple and genuine expressions of faith, contrite confession of sin, and whole-hearted submission to the sovereign will of the Lord.