Humility in prayer is a profound and essential concept in the Christian faith, and its significance is beautifully encapsulated in 2 Chronicles 7:14. This verse is part of God's response to Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple, and it reads:
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)
This verse emphasizes four key actions required of God's people: humbling themselves, praying, seeking God's face, and turning from their wicked ways. Each of these actions is critical, but humility is the foundation upon which the others are built. To fully understand the significance of humility in prayer, we must explore its biblical context and implications.
Humility as a Prerequisite for Divine Favor
Humility is often described as the proper attitude one should have towards God. It is the recognition of our own limitations, weaknesses, and the sovereignty of God. In the Bible, humility is frequently associated with submission to God's will and acknowledgment of His greatness.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God sets humility as the first condition for His people to receive His favor. This is not coincidental. Humility is essential because it prepares the heart to approach God in the right manner. The act of humbling oneself is an acknowledgment that we are not self-sufficient and that we need God's intervention.
The Bible repeatedly underscores the importance of humility. In James 4:6, it states, "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" (NIV). This verse echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 3:34 and 1 Peter 5:5, reinforcing the idea that humility attracts God's grace and favor.
Humility and Repentance
Humility is intrinsically linked to repentance. To repent, one must first recognize their sins and shortcomings, which requires a humble heart. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the call to humble oneself is immediately followed by the call to pray and seek God's face. This sequence suggests that true prayer and seeking God cannot happen without humility.
Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning towards God. It is an act of humility because it requires admitting that we have strayed and need God's forgiveness. The prophet Isaiah captures this beautifully in Isaiah 57:15: "For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (NIV). God dwells with those who are humble and contrite, indicating that humility is essential for a restored relationship with Him.
The Example of Jesus
The ultimate example of humility in prayer is found in Jesus Christ. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated humility in His relationship with the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42, NIV). This prayer exemplifies humility as Jesus submits to the Father's will, even in the face of immense suffering.
Jesus' humility is also evident in His teaching on prayer. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus contrasts the proud prayer of the Pharisee with the humble prayer of the tax collector. The tax collector's prayer, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner," (Luke 18:13, NIV) is commended by Jesus, who concludes, "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Luke 18:14, NIV). This parable highlights that humility in prayer is not about eloquence or self-righteousness but about a genuine acknowledgment of one's need for God's mercy.
The Role of Humility in Healing and Restoration
2 Chronicles 7:14 promises that if God's people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land. The promise of healing and restoration is contingent upon the humility of God's people.
Humility opens the door for God's intervention. When we humble ourselves, we create space for God to work in our lives and in our communities. The healing of the land mentioned in this verse can be understood both literally and metaphorically. It can refer to physical healing of the land from drought or plague, as well as spiritual healing and restoration of a community or nation.
The prophet Micah also speaks to the connection between humility and walking with God: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NIV). Walking humbly with God is a daily practice that involves recognizing our dependence on Him and aligning our lives with His will.
Practical Implications for Believers Today
For contemporary believers, the call to humility in prayer remains as relevant as ever. In a world that often values self-promotion and pride, the biblical mandate to humble oneself can be counter-cultural. However, it is through humility that we find true communion with God.
Humility in prayer means approaching God with a heart that is open and willing to be shaped by Him. It means confessing our sins and shortcomings, not with a sense of despair, but with the hope that God is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9). It means seeking God's guidance and wisdom, acknowledging that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).
Moreover, humility in prayer extends beyond our personal relationship with God. It influences how we interact with others. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs believers: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (NIV). A humble heart in prayer will naturally lead to a humble attitude in our relationships, fostering unity and love within the body of Christ.
Conclusion
In summary, humility in prayer, as emphasized in 2 Chronicles 7:14, is of paramount significance in the Christian faith. It is the foundation upon which genuine prayer, repentance, and seeking God are built. Humility prepares the heart to receive God's grace and favor, facilitates repentance, and opens the door for divine healing and restoration. By following the example of Jesus and embracing humility in our prayers and daily lives, we align ourselves with God's will and create space for His transformative work in us and through us.
