The Greatness of Godਨਮੂਨਾ

Praying for New Life

The beginning of this passage is like a chorus in the redemptive song of the Bible. It’s sung by prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 61) and Joel (Joel 2:28) and heard upon the lips of Jesus himself (Luke 4:18). The same Holy Spirit who brought form to the world (Genesis 1:1-2) and animates humanity (Genesis 2:7) invites Ezekiel to partner with Him in His redemptive, life-giving purposes.

God asks Ezekiel in verse 3 (NIV), “Son of man, can these bones live?” Phrased another way it could read, “Do you believe I can bring life from death?” Ezekiel’s response is honest, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” The name he uses to address God is significant, ‘Sovereign Lord’, acknowledging God’s all-powerful and governing nature. Perhaps answered this way because of the limitations he sees as he stands in the valley, buffeted by the wind and dust of the dry bones. Ezekiel affirms God as creator and humanity as the created, revealing his trust in Him.

God instructs Ezekiel not to speak in his own authority or eloquence, but in partnership with the transformative ‘breath’ of God. The miracle is God’s work, but the declaration is Ezekiel’s.

This text cannot be read indifferently because that very same redemptive chorus echoes in us. We have been called and empowered by the same Spirit (Romans 8:11). We are designed to co-work with God, to allow the ‘breath’ of God to fuel and fill our prayers. As Ezekiel did, so we too must trust the timing and fulfilment of the words he has asked us to pray and declare.

Where is God drawing your attention, where is he asking you to speak out His redemptive purposes over what appears to be a hardened heart, a broken life, or a barren land?

Pause and reflect

We are a part of the fulfilment of Ezekiel’s vision, as we come to this story today ready to be transformed from death to life, sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22). It is our time to rise, to speak to the dry bones in our nations and across the world, in confidence that we will see fruit of the Sovereign Lord’s work and in hope await the complete fulfilment upon Jesus’ return.

Take some time to pause and pray for the wind of the Spirit to blow across your nation, bringing resurrection life and fresh hope today.

Pause and pray