Solving Problems Through Prayer

Embracing the Blueprint in 2 Chronicles 20:1–3

Prayer as a Divine Strategy in Crisis

Prayer is not merely a spiritual discipline—it is a divine strategy, a sacred lifeline, and a transformative force in the midst of human struggle. When life presses in with trials, uncertainties, or dangers, the instinct of the faithful is not to panic or act hastily, but to pray. The Bible repeatedly illustrates this truth, and one of the most profound examples is found in 2 Chronicles 20.

The passage begins with a crisis:

“After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar’ (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”
(2 Chronicles 20:1–3, NIV)

Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, faced a coalition of hostile armies. His territory, his people, and his life were all under imminent threat. But rather than mobilizing military forces or seeking political alliances, his first response was to seek God. The Hebrew term for “inquire of the Lord” (darash Yahweh) implies a deep, earnest pursuit—a deliberate turning of the heart and mind toward divine wisdom[^1].

Jehoshaphat’s First Response: A Model for Today

The beauty of this passage is its realism: Jehoshaphat was alarmed. He was human, just as we are. Yet, his instinct in fear was not frantic reaction but faithful seeking. This shift from panic to prayer reveals a spiritual principle: fear can be transformed into faith when brought to God[^2].

Too often, we make prayer our last resort rather than our first line of defense. Jehoshaphat did not wait until he had tried everything else; he began with prayer and fasting. His approach underscores that prayer is not passive—it is proactive, powerful, and rooted in trust.

In your own life, when you face problems—whether relational, financial, emotional, or spiritual—consider the Jehoshaphat pattern:
• Acknowledge the problem honestly.
• Turn immediately to God in prayer.
• Invite others to join in united, humble petition.

Prayer as Community Action

In verse 4, the passage continues:

“The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.”
(2 Chronicles 20:4, NIV)

Jehoshaphat’s leadership extended beyond personal prayer. He called all of Judah into collective fasting and prayer. This reflects a powerful truth: the strength of community multiplies the force of prayer. There is divine promise in unity. Jesus Himself said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20, NIV).

Public prayer is not just a display of faith—it is a weapon of spiritual warfare. The entire nation was summoned not for military drills but for humble intercession. In doing so, Jehoshaphat united the people not only in spirit, but in trust and obedience.

Spiritual Lessons from 2 Chronicles 20

Dr. Charles Stanley’s commentary on this passage outlines eight foundational truths that emerge from Jehoshaphat’s example[^3]:

God is interested in your problems – No concern is too small or too great. He invites you to cast all your anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7).
The Lord is greater than your difficulties – God is sovereign over all circumstances, including those that feel overwhelming (Psalm 46:1–3).
Your first response should be to seek the Father – Prioritizing prayer positions us to receive divine wisdom and peace (Philippians 4:6–7).
God may want to involve others in praying about your difficulty – The church is a body; shared burdens invite shared intercession and support (Galatians 6:2).
The Lord will always give you a solution – While it may not look like your solution, God’s guidance will be perfect in its timing and outcome (Isaiah 55:8–9).
Your prayers are to be God-centered, not problem-centered – Worship-based prayer shifts our focus from fear to faith, magnifying God’s power rather than our need.
The Father’s answer to your trouble will usually require an act of faith – Prayer prepares us to step out in obedience even when the solution isn’t yet visible (James 2:17).
God’s solution is always best – His will is perfect and leads to ultimate good, even through temporary struggle (Romans 8:28).

Turning to God in Your Own Battles

When faced with your own “vast army”—whether illness, conflict, loss, or confusion—follow Jehoshaphat’s example:

• Pause. Don’t rush to fix the problem. Acknowledge the difficulty.
• Pray. Seek God’s wisdom with honesty and humility.
• Proclaim. Involve others; invite trusted family, friends, or your church into prayerful agreement.
• Position. Focus on God’s nature—His goodness, power, and mercy—more than the magnitude of the issue.
• Proceed. Be ready to act in faith when God provides direction.

Prayer Is Not Passive—It Is Participation

Prayer is not a retreat from the battle; it is participation in God’s solution. Jehoshaphat’s army did eventually march out—but only after being instructed through prayer. In fact, God told them they would not have to fight in the usual way:

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (2 Chronicles 20:17, NIV).

Prayer empowered them with courage and direction. They still had to show up, but the victory belonged to the Lord.

The Power of Collective Prayer Today

In our modern context, this principle remains. Whether you’re part of a small group, a prayer circle, or an online community, there is profound power when believers join hearts in prayer. Corporate prayer becomes a spiritual force multiplier, fostering unity, accountability, and courage.

The people of Judah “came from every town”—a beautiful reminder that no one is too far to join in faith. Today, even across digital spaces, Christians gather in prayer to storm heaven’s gates on behalf of their communities, churches, and nations.

Conclusion: Transforming Problems Into Victories

The story of Jehoshaphat offers a divine blueprint for responding to life’s problems through prayer. Inquire of the Lord first. Involve others in prayer. Trust the outcome to God. This is not weakness—it is wisdom.

In the final verses of the chapter, we see Judah’s victory not just over enemies, but in the strengthening of faith and the glory given to God. The takeaway is clear: when we pray first, we prepare ourselves for God’s best.

Let the story of Jehoshaphat remind you that every challenge is an invitation—to trust, to pray, to unify, and to witness the hand of God at work.

“Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.”
(2 Chronicles 20:20b, NIV)

Footnotes

[^1]: The Hebrew root darash (דָּרַשׁ) implies intentional seeking or inquiring of divine wisdom, as in Deuteronomy 4:29 and 2 Chronicles 7:14.
[^2]: Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God (Dutton, 2014), explores how fear can become fuel for faith through prayer.
[^3]: Charles F. Stanley, Life Principles Bible, notes on 2 Chronicles 20 (Thomas Nelson, 2009).
[^4]: Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible (Fortress Press, 1970), which emphasizes communal prayer as essential to Christian life.
[^5]: N.T. Wright, The Case for the Psalms: Why They Are Essential (HarperOne, 2013), on the power of collective faith expression.
[^6]: Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline (HarperOne, 1988), particularly his chapters on intercessory and corporate prayer.