“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).

The Sovereign God has ordained prayer as the tool to get His work done. God moves when His people obey. No clearer expression of this truth can be found than in our text. “If,” God says, “then will I. . . .” Note four requisites for God’s healing:

Humble themselves: A proud person is not ready to do business with God. “But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). Not only are we to humble ourselves, we are to tremble at His word!

Pray: Although Jesus said: “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.” Satan would rather have a believer learn most anything, other than the importance of prevailing prayer. Therefore, it is against prayer that he makes his greatest attack.

Seek His face: This important element of prayer is seeking His face—not His hand. Worship must occupy much of our prayer time: “But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).

Turn from sin: Many believers have unconfessed and unforsaken sin; consequently, prayer is hindered. Repentance and confession bring forgiveness and cleansing (I John 1:9).

When we obey, God promises to hear from Heaven, where are stored all the resources we need. Furthermore, the supply can never be exhausted. God invites us to come directly to Him to experience His gracious provision.

Finally, there is the promise of healing in the land. This also means healing in individual lives, where there are so many wounds and hurts. JGH