A Fuller Approach for Asking in Prayer

I’ve been following Jesus since I was nine years old—and I’ve been serving in churches ever since then, including as a pastor—but I recently discovered a more full, relational, and transformational approach for asking in prayer.

This approach comes from the biblical account of Jehoshaphat, one of Judah’s kings in the Old Testament. As I’ve applied principles from Jehoshaphat's example of prayer—not in a regimented or legalistic way, but personally—I’ve experienced more growth in my own prayer life.

I’d like to share with you what I learned. As a memory aid, I call Jehoshaphat’s approach “P.A.C.E.”

P.A.C.E. and Jehoshaphat

One meaning of the word “pace” is this: a step in the process of walking from one place to another, especially (in some traditions) with a mentor who leads the way.

Similarly, I define “P.A.C.E.” (described below) as a process of walking in relationship with God as He leads us in our prayers.

P.A.C.E. is based upon the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20.

Jehoshaphat was a good king of Judah (the southern half of the divided Israelites). The Bible says this about him:

Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight. (2 Chronicles 20:32)

In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat learned that a vast combined army of enemy nations was advancing to attack and destroy Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah. The entire chapter of 2 Chronicles 20 is the biblical record of how Jehoshaphat approached God, asking in prayer for the deliverance of Judah from their enemies.

You can click the button below to read about this event in the Bible:

2 Chronicles 20:1-37 (NLT)

¹After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. ²Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.)

³Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. ⁴So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help.

⁵Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. ⁶He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! ⁷O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? ⁸Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. ⁹They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’

¹⁰“And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. ¹¹Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. ¹²O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”

¹³As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, ¹⁴the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.

¹⁵He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. ¹⁶Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. ¹⁷But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

¹⁸Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord. ¹⁹Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.

²⁰Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”

²¹After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang:

“Give thanks to the Lord;
his faithful love endures forever!”

²²At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. ²³The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. ²⁴So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.

²⁵King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! ²⁶On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today.

²⁷Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. ²⁸They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord.

²⁹When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. ³⁰So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

³¹So Jehoshaphat ruled over the land of Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi.

³²Jehoshaphat was a good king, following the ways of his father, Asa. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight. ³³During his reign, however, he failed to remove all the pagan shrines, and the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors.

³⁴The rest of the events of Jehoshaphat’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded in The Record of Jehu Son of Hanani, which is included in The Book of the Kings of Israel.

³⁵Some time later King Jehoshaphat of Judah made an alliance with King Ahaziah of Israel, who was very wicked. ³⁶Together they built a fleet of trading ships^[h] at the port of Ezion-geber. ³⁷Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu from Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat. He said, “Because you have allied yourself with King Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy your work.” So the ships met with disaster and never put out to sea.

P.A.C.E. — Asking in Prayer

The letters in the acronym "P.A.C.E." stand for Prepare, Ask, Cooperate, and Express, as shown below.

PREPARE to Ask for God’s Help

There’s nothing wrong with simply asking for God’s help, without any preparation whatsoever. The Bible is full of such prayers.

However, when we first praise God for who He is, and we thank Him for what He has done for us in the past, then we often ask more hopefully, confidently, boldly, and effectively.

Before you ask for God’s Help, consider these 2 steps:

1. Praise God for who He is.

[Jehoshaphat prayed,] “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!” (2 Chronicles 20:6)

Before Jehoshaphat asked God to deliver him from his enemies, he took time to remember who God was: the God of his ancestors who is the only God in heaven, ruler of all the earth, powerful and mighty. Remembering those truths, and connecting with God in prayer about them, Jehoshaphat’s faith revived.

Before you ask God to do something for you, praise Him for who He is and for His ability to answer your specific prayer. Your faith and joy in Him will grow as you connect with Him in this way.

2. Remember what God has done in the past.

[Jehoshaphat prayed,] “O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’” (2 Chronicles 20:7-9)

Jehoshaphat remembered many things that God had done in the past—even how God had rescued Jehoshaphat's ancestors from seemingly impossible situations. Remembering bolstered Jehoshaphat’s hope that God would act again in the current situation.

Before you ask God to do something for you, remember how He has answered similar prayers in your past. No matter what has happened since then, remember that God has not changed. He still loves you, and He still wants His best for you.

ASK for God’s Help

As you ask for God’s help, consider these 6 steps:

1. Talk with God about your doubts and fears.

[Jehoshaphat prayed,] "We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)

Jehoshaphat admitted the unthinkable: that the Israelites were powerless against the oncoming army, and that they had no idea what to do.

Don’t deny your fears and doubts about what you are asking God to do. Instead, take your feelings honestly to God. Facing your fears with God will not make you more afraid. Indeed, God will give you His peace and strength, even BEFORE you know how He will answer your prayer.

2. Boldly and specifically ask God to act.

[Jehoshaphat prayed,] "…they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. O our God, won’t you stop them?" (2 Chronicles 20:11)

Jehoshaphat asked God to stop the enemy armies. TO STOP THEM! Jehoshaphat boldly asked God to act in a very specific way.

Tell God boldly and specifically what you want Him to do!

3. Yield your own will to God’s will.

On the night before Jesus was crucified, He prayed:

“Abba, Father,” [Jesus] cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mark 14:36)

When Jesus prayed for His heavenly Father to act, Jesus yielded His will to His Father’s will.

Jehoshaphat did not explicitly say, “God, not my will but yours be done.” But Jehoshaphat's request was a respectful one, implying that he indeed was yielded to God’s will:

[Jehoshaphat prayed,] "O our God, won’t you stop them?" (2 Chronicles 20:11)

After you boldly tell God what you want, then tell God, “But above all, your will be done.”

Consider even talking with God about WHY you want Him to do what you ask. As you do, God will:

Affirm your godly desires.
Communicate His love for you as you struggle with any mixed motives.
Assurance you of his love and presence.

For more info about how to have back-and-forth conversations with God, click this blog: Conversation with God.

4. Consider praying and fasting.

Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. (2 Chronicles 20:3)

Jehoshaphat knew the enemy armies were on the way. He knew the situation was dire. He also knew the power of prayer and fasting. So he called the entire nation to pray and fast.

Consider praying and fasting for God to act. For biblical info about how to do that, click this blog: The Power of Prayer and Fasting.

5. Ask other people to pray.

So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help. (2 Chronicles 20:4)

Jehoshaphat didn’t just pray alone. He asked the entire nation to join him in prayer.

Ask others to join you in praying boldly for God to act in specific ways. Praying together strengthens community, glorifies God, and brings results.

6. Seek prophetic words from other Christians.

As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says...
Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory." (2 Chronicles 20:13-15)

Jahaziel heard from God Himself what God planned to do for the Israelites. What an encouragement for Jehoshaphat and all the people! Now everyone had God's clear plan for moving forward!

God still speaks prophetically today!

Some people have the spiritual gift of prophecy. But God speaks a word of prophecy through almost all of us to someone else at least a few times during our lives.

Ask your brothers and sisters in Christ if they hear a word from God about your prayer concern—either an encouragement or a direction forward.

For more info about spiritual gifts, including the gift of prophecy, click this blog: How to Discover and Use Your Spiritual Gifts.

COOPERATE with God for Answered Prayer

While God answers your prayer, consider these 5 steps:

1. Be strong and courageous, knowing God is with you.

[Jahaziel said,] "[God] is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!" (2 Chronicles 20:17)

Jahaziel’s words to Jehoshaphat sound famously like God’s words to Joshua about conquering the Promised Land:

[God said to Joshua,] "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Both Jehoshaphat and Joshua could be strong and courageous BECAUSE THEY KNEW THE LORD WAS WITH THEM!

The Lord is always with us too! He will give us strength and courage

2. Do your part, and trust God to do His part.

[Jahaziel told Jehoshaphat and the people,] "Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s… you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory." (2 Chronicles 20:15,17)

In Jehoshaphat’s case, God would do everything for the people. They would not even have to fight their enemies.

But Jehoshaphat and the people did do their part. They asked God what to do, even fasting as they prayed. They trusted God to act. And they praised God both before and after God answered their prayers.

Sometimes, all we need to do is wait for God to act. Other times, we need to work hard, knowing He is working through us. But we need to ask Him, so that we know what our part is.

When you ask in prayer, ask God what is your part and what is His part. Then trust what you hear. He will not lead you astray, and He is perfectly capable of enabling you to hear Him clearly.

3. Ask God how He wants to grow you while you wait for His answer to your prayer.

[Jehoshaphat said,] "And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance." (2 Chronicles 20:10-11)

Jehoshaphat seems to insinuate that God is at least partly to blame for this enemy attack. After all, God had not allowed the nation of Israel to invade their enemies in the past, and now they’re attacking!

During times of stress—including desperate times when we need God to act—our darker side can rise up with a vengeance. We may revert to blame, doubt, anxiety, or former sins and bad habits.

Ask God how He wants to grow you personally as you wait for Him to answer your prayers.

For an example of how God grew me as I prayed for my husband’s healing, click here: My Sin and My Conversation with God About it.

4. Give thanks to God even BEFORE He answers.

After consulting the people, [King Jehoshaphat] appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22)

Jehoshaphat and the people praised and gave thanks to God even BEFORE God answered their prayers to deliver them from their enemies. They were able to do this because they already sensed God at work. They had already experienced God’s presence and power through prayer, fasting, and worship. And they had already heard God speak a word of prophecy through Jahaziel.

Give thanks to God for however He will answer your prayer, even BEFORE He answers. You’ll be able to do this more confidently if you first do some of the steps above, as Jehoshaphat and the people did.

5. Stand firm, remembering how you've already sensed God at work.

[Jehoshaphat said,] "Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed." (2 Chronicles 20:20)

Jehoshaphat and the people stood firm in their part of God’s answers to their prayer. They did their part, and they trusted Him to do His part.

Stand firm in the clarity God has given you about your part of His answer—whether that be waiting, working hard, or a combination of both.

EXPRESS Your Heart After Answered Prayer

After God answers your prayer, consider these 2 steps:

1. Worship and give thanks for answered prayer.

[Jehoshaphat and the people] marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 20:28)

After God delivered them from their enemies, Jehoshaphat and the people worshipped and thanked God for answered prayer.

After God answers your prayer—in whatever ways He chooses—don’t forget to thank Him! And record your answer to prayer in your journal or another place.

For more info about how to grow in Christ through journaling, click this blog: My Top 7 Journaling Practices.

2. Witness to others about how God answered your prayer.

When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. (2 Chronicles 20:29-30)

The countries surrounding the nation of Judah heard what God had done, and so they revered God, giving Judah rest from war.

When God answers your prayers, share your testimony with other Christians and even with pre-Christians as a witness to Him.

Jumping Jehoshaphat?

You might have heard someone exclaim, “Jumping Jehoshaphat!” It’s usually a surprised response to something that’s difficult to believe. For example, if someone flew a polka-dotted elephant over your front yard, you might sputter, “Jumping Jehoshaphat!”

The historical origin of the phrase is indeed from Jehoshaphat in the Bible. And that might at first seem ironic. After all, Jehoshaphat was not known for leaping into action, because God told him not to—God would fight for him. Therefore, today, the exclamation “Jumping Jehoshaphat!” expresses any surprise prompted by any that's as unlikely as Jehoshaphat jumping into action.

But here’s the truth. Jehoshaphat actually DID jump into action! Not to fight his enemies, as we might expect. But to fully engage with God and the people before, during, and after asking God to answer his prayer.

We would do well to learn from Jehoshaphat.

We can certainly pray without all of these steps. But taking Jehoshaphat's approach helps us to more fully trust, ask, grow, cooperate, and experience Him in the process.

P.A.C.E. — A Summary
A Fuller Approach for Asking in Prayer

How many of steps do you already use? Which ones will you add the next time you go to God with a prayer request?

PREPARE to Ask for God’s Help:

Praise God for who He is.
Remember what God has done for you in the past.

ASK for God’s Help:

Talk with God about your doubts and fears.
Boldly and specifically ask God to act.
Yield your own will to God’s will.
Consider praying and fasting.
Ask other people to pray.
Seek prophetic words from other Christians.

COOPERATE with God for Answered Prayer:

Be strong and courageous, knowing God is with you.
Do your part, and trust God to do His part.
Ask God how He wants to grow you while you wait for HIs answer to your prayer.
Give thanks to God even BEFORE He answers.
Stand firm, remembering how you've already sensed God at work.

EXPRESS Your Heart After Answered Prayer:

Worship and give thanks for answered prayer.
Witness to others about how God answered your prayer.

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February 18, 2021