by Vance Havner

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. 2 Chronicles 7:14

It will readily be seen here that God requires four things, not just one. And He will not settle for a fourth of what He requires. If we are going to use this verse let us use all of it. Sometimes we make it sound as though a prayer meeting alone were sufficient to produce a revival. God has said more here than “pray.”

We are to humble ourselves – not pray for humility, but humble ourselves, “as a little child” (Matthew 18:4), “in the sight of the Lord” (James 4:10), “under the mighty hand of God” (1 Peter 5:6).

We are to seek God’s face, His favor, the smile of His approval.

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face, my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek” (Psalms 27:8).

Is that what your heart says?

And we are to turn from our wicked ways. That fourth note is rather subdued these days.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

Praying is not enough if God requires more. And in this sadly misused text He certainly does!

by Vance Havner