Ezra 7 - Praying God's Word

`Please read Ezra 7.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/ezr/7/1/s_410001

Meditate on verses 9b – 10.

The good hand of his God was upon him.

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it,

 and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Approximately 60 years passed between chapters six and seven of Ezra, and for the first time, Ezra’s name is mentioned. Observe him carefully, for he is a man to be emulated. Ezra was a priest and a scribe skilled in God’s Word, with the good hand of his God upon him (vs. 6, 9-12). Hand is a repeated word in this chapter. Three times, Ezra is described as having the hand of God on him, and twice he is described as having God’s Word in his hand (vs. 6, 9, 14, 25, 28). It is no coincidence that the hand of God touches this man of God, who holds onto His Word.

The last of the seven executive orders in the book of Ezra was decreed in this chapter, giving Ezra, the priest, permission to do everything according to the will of God, even allowing him to teach anyone who was ignorant of the laws of God (vs. 18, 25). Boldly ask the LORD to move the leadership of your country to grant the same favor to Christians (vs. 11-26).

This chapter is a treasure chest of verses to pray.  Here is a prayer to get you started using Ezra 7:6, 9-11, and 28.

“LORD, may _______ and I be skilled in the Word You have given.

Let Your good hand be upon us. 

Let us set our hearts to study Your Law and to practice it,

and to teach Your statutes and ordinances. 

Make us learned in the Words of Your commandments and statutes.

Strengthen us according to Your hand being upon us.

In Your name, LORD our God, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL 2 ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell