A certain amount of mental preparation is necessary for prayer. We need to think out for what we will pray. Particularly is that the case in times of crisis. Such moments come to every life, and sometimes
at the most unexpected moment.

Consider the example of Hezekiah at such a time. Jerusalem was threatened by Rabshakeh at the head of the victorious Assyrian army, noted for its ruthless brutality. Within the city, counsels were divided. Some urged upon Hezekiah to seek the help of Egypt; others suggested capitulating to Assyria; a section_of the community, in the madness of despair, gave themselves over to debauchery and licence, saying "let us eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die." They had not faith in Yahweh, Hezekiah or themselves.

At that moment of supreme crisis, the king rose to the occasion. Undaunted by the approach of the Assyrians, unheeding of the conflicting advice of his own subjects, supported by such as Isaiah the prophet, he rested heavily upon his God. He placed the problem in the hands of Yahweh, and in faith awaited the outcome.

He did not do so lightly. He recognised how much depended upon the intervention of Yahweh, and therefore took particular pains to rightly approach Him in prayer. He carefully prepared himself for the occasion. "It came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it (the news), that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of Yahweh" (Isa. 37:1).

He did three things. Firstly - He "rent his clothes." This revealed his deep concern; it symbolised that he was greatly concerned with the crisis, and that his feelings were open to all to see. Secondly - he "put on sackcloth," the garb of mourning and humiliation, witnessing to all who may care to observe, that he had humbled himself before his God. Thirdly -he "went into the house of Yahweh." He directly sought the help of God in prayer, thus drawing Yahweh into the arena of the controversy.

Notice also his subsequent action. He received a mocking letter from Rabshakeh, ridiculing his pitiful efforts to defend himself against the might of Assyria, and warning him against placing any trust in Yahweh to save.

Hezekiah read the letter; took it to the house of Yahweh; spread it out before God, and besought Him in prayer to answer it. "O Lord of Armies (the belligerent title of Deity), God of Israel (God of the threatened nation), that dwellest between the cherubim.-(Who is accessible to His people); Thou alone art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; Thou hast made heaven and earth (Thou hast power to deliver).."

Thus the matter was placed into the hands of Yahweh (Isa. 37:15-20). A wonderfully encouraging response came from this prayer, and an amazing deliverance was effected.

Prayer enables us to place our problems before God, and obtain His help in time of need. Comfort and help will be received by so doing, as we can witness from our personal experience. However, in times of such crisis, let us follow the course of Hezekiah. Let us first carefully think the matter out. Perhaps we have contributed to the crisis? Perhaps our folly has caused it? Let us carefully assess the situation, and then, with garments figuratively rent, and figuratively clothed in the garb of humility, seek the forgiveness of God for our part in the matter, and place the solution of it in His hands. There is great consolation of mind, and strengthening of resolve in so doing.