In this powerful chapter, Ezra finds out the returned exiles have once more begun intermarrying with their unclean neighbors, which is forbidden by God’s law. God knows that the abominable pagan practices of their neighbors will turn their hearts away from Him. Grief struck, Ezra begins mourning and praying on behalf of his people.
“O my God, I am ashamed… for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads… From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt. And for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands… But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place… Yet our God has… extended to us his steadfast love… to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection…” (v6-9 abr)
Ezra’s incredibly moving prayer (I highly recommend you read the whole thing) lays out the guilt of Israel. He acknowledges the mercy and grace of God so far (leaving a remnant, allowing their return to the promised land) and acknowledges their sin. The odd thing is, he doesn’t even seem to ask for anything (not even forgiveness). The entire prayer is a confession of sin, and expresses thankfulness to God.
Ezra’s prayer reads more like a statement than a conversation – he’s telling God the facts, acknowledging they way things are, confessing Israel’s sin, and noting God’s grace and mercy, without asking for anything. When’s the last time we prayed to God and did not ask for something? Um, I’m having a hard time remembering the last time I did that…
When we’re learning how to pray, we likely learn prayer structure like “ACTS”: “Adoration” (praise God), “Confession” (admit guilt), “Thanksgiving” (acknowledge God’s works), and “Supplication” (pray for our/others’ needs). Ezra’s prayer structure here is just “ACT”. I suggest there’s great power in that.
I encourage us to occasionally pray using the “ACT” structure. I think this is a healthy thing to do, and if Ezra, a priest/prophet models this, it can’t be a bad thing. Let’s adore God, confess our sin, and express our thankfulness today.
Father God, You are our Sovereign and Glorious Creator. We praise Your holy name, for You are loving and compassionate beyond description. You have blessed us far greater than we deserve, because we have repeatedly sinned against You and only deserve death. Thank you for Jesus’ redeeming act on the cross, paying the penalty for our insurmountable sin. We cannot praise You enough for Your grace and mercy. We love You, and wish to honor, glorify and praise You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training