Episode Summary: Day 185: Hezekiah's Prayer (2025)
Release Date: July 4, 2025

Introduction

In Day 185 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into the lives and prayers of King Hezekiah, drawing profound lessons on faith, leadership, and reliance on God. Guided by Jeff Cavins' Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Father Mike navigates through 2 Kings 19, 2 Chronicles 30, and Psalm 143, offering insightful reflections and heartfelt prayers that illuminate the enduring relevance of these scriptures in our lives today.

Scripture Readings

1. 2 Kings 19: Hezekiah's Prayer and Sennacherib's Defeat

   Father Mike begins by recounting the dire circumstances King Hezekiah faced when the Assyrian king Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem. Faced with overwhelming odds, Hezekiah turns to God in fervent prayer:

   "O Lord, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth."
   — 2 Kings 19:15 (Father Mike, 04:30)

   Despite Sennacherib's taunts and the Assyrian army's might, God intervenes miraculously, leading to the downfall of the Assyrian forces and the death of Sennacherib. This event underscores God's sovereignty and His commitment to His people.

2. 2 Chronicles 30: Reinstating Passover

   Shifting focus to 2 Chronicles 30, Father Mike highlights Hezekiah's efforts to restore the Passover after years of neglect. Hezekiah sends proclamations to all tribes of Israel, urging them to return to Jerusalem and worship God:

   "Do not let your God on whom you rely deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria."
   — 2 Kings 19:5 (Father Mike, 12:45)

   Despite initial mockery, a remnant responds with humility and devotion, celebrating the Passover with unprecedented joy and unity. This revival signifies the power of collective repentance and worship in restoring God's blessings.

3. Psalm 143: David’s Prayer for Deliverance

   Concluding the readings, Father Mike presents Psalm 143, a heartfelt prayer by David seeking God's deliverance from enemies:

   "Hear my prayer, O Lord. Give ear to my supplications. In your faithfulness answer me in your righteousness."
   — Psalm 143:1-2 (Father Mike, 20:10)

   This Psalm resonates with Hezekiah's own plea for divine intervention, drawing a parallel between their unwavering trust in God amidst adversity.

Reflections and Insights

Father Mike transitions from scripture readings to personal reflections, drawing key lessons from Hezekiah's example:

1. Hezekiah’s Exemplary Faith

   • Acknowledging Limitations: Father Mike emphasizes Hezekiah's humility in recognizing his own limitations and the necessity of God's intervention.

     "This will only happen if you want it to happen, Lord. This will only come to pass if you will it to come to pass."
     — Father Mike Schmitz (15:50)

   • Dependence on God: Hezekiah's approach to God during crisis exemplifies total reliance on divine power rather than human strength or alliances.

2. Restoration and Unity through Worship

   • Reinstating Passover: Father Mike admires Hezekiah's initiative to restore the Passover, highlighting the importance of returning to foundational worship practices to renew spiritual fervor.

     "They just continued to worship God, to sing praises to his name and to give him glory and to the worship that he is due."
     — Father Mike Schmitz (18:30)

   • Inclusivity of the Remnant: The inclusion of the remnant tribes illustrates the unifying power of worship and the invitation extended to all believers to partake in God's blessings.

3. Application to Modern Faith

   • Facing Modern Challenges: Drawing parallels between Hezekiah's battles and contemporary struggles, Father Mike encourages listeners to confront their own "Assyrian threats" with unwavering faith.

     "This is how we approach God when we are dealing with some of those incredible battles... I can only."
     — Father Mike Schmitz (19:45)

   • Cultivating a Worshipful Heart: He urges believers to eliminate idols and deepen their worship, mirroring Hezekiah's dedication to honoring God wholly.

4. The Power of Community and Prayer

   • Supportive Fellowship: Emphasizing the role of community, Father Mike highlights the importance of praying for one another and fostering a collective spirit of faith.

     "Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."
     — Father Mike Schmitz (25:00)

Conclusion

Day 185 of "The Bible in a Year" masterfully intertwines the historical narratives of Hezekiah with timeless spiritual lessons. Father Mike Schmitz's engaging commentary not only brings ancient scriptures to life but also challenges listeners to embody the same faith and dedication in their daily walk with God. As the podcast progresses into the latter half of the Bible reading plan, Father Mike invites the community to continue this transformative journey, deepening their understanding of God's grand narrative and their place within it.

Notable Quotes

• Father Mike Schmitz at [15:50]:
  "This will only happen if you want it to happen, Lord. This will only come to pass if you will it to come to pass."

• Father Mike Schmitz at [18:30]:
  "They just continued to worship God, to sing praises to his name and to give him glory and to the worship that he is due."

• Father Mike Schmitz at [19:45]:
  "This is how we approach God when we are dealing with some of those incredible battles... I can only."

• Father Mike Schmitz at [25:00]:
  "Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."

Final Thoughts

Father Mike Schmitz's Day 185 episode serves as a profound reminder of the enduring power of prayer, the necessity of unwavering faith, and the importance of community in navigating life's challenges. By reflecting on Hezekiah's steadfastness and God's miraculous deliverance, listeners are inspired to trust deeply in God's promises and to actively seek His presence in every aspect of their lives.