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Jacob prayed. He found himself, his family and all of his riches in dire trouble. Esau was coming to meet him and from all appearances he was ready for revenge. The most fearful situation in which Jacob now found himself was not of his own making. He was about to face Esau because of the instructions of the Lord to return and be reconciled. Even when in the perfect will of the Lord the events which take place do not always go smoothly. He prayed in the name of the LORD. Gen. 32:9 It is an imperative that we know our God by His glorious name and in prayer, specifically address and identify Him, to whom we are praying, by using His name. Just to address Him as God is so generic.
Jacob, likewise reminded the LORD that he and his family were where they were at His instigation. The LORD had promised that all would go well with his return to his home land and his reconciliation with Esau. Gen. 32:9 Jacobís prayer then became very personal and from the heart. He saw himself as trusting in the mercies of the LORD, of which he felt himself as most unworthy to receive. His prayer is now one of soul searching and repentance. The truth of the LORD has become a motivating factor in his life. He was cognizant of the fact that all of his possessions were the blessing of the LORD and not of his own capabilities. Gen. 32:10 His trust was placed totally on the LORD for his heart was fearful of what might happen to his family and his flocks. The substance of his prayer then turned to one of deliverance from the intent and war like hands of Esau. In spite of the fact that he obviously knew that he was doing the perfect will of the LORD, Jacob found that there was still the human element of fear, as far as he was concerned. Doing and being in the will of the LORD does not always assure one of smooth sailing until the ultimate goal is reached.
Jacobís prayer included the promises of the LORD. It contained promises which declared that the hand of the LORD would do him good. Also the LORD had assured Jacob of a continuing lineage whose numbers would equal the sand of the seashore which cannot be number for multitude. Gen. 32:12 Promises which had inspired him to travel into a state of affairs which could involve the death of all that he loved as well as himself. He reminded the LORD of His promises. A prayer which can be based on the Word of the Lord where He is reminded of His promises is guaranteed to be successful. The total trust of Jacob was in the promise of the LORD. For all his fear and consternation, he continued to prepare for his meeting with Esau. He did not turn and flee but proceeded to confront his great problem of reunion with Esau.