36
TEAM TALK
PRAYER OF THE MONTH Jonah’ s Prayer for Salvation Jonah 2:2-9
We may never be swallowed by a great fish, but we can still experience the shame and regret that Jonah felt after he ran from God. The prophet’ s plea to the Father provides a poignant scaffolding for our own prayers of repentance. And remember that God heard and answered this humble, honest prayer:
“ In my distress I called to the Lord and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help and you listened to my cry.
You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me.
I said,‘ I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’
The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.
To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.
“ When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord. And my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.“ Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’ s love for them.
But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good.
I will say,‘ Salvation comes from the Lord.’”
36