Jonah 2: Jonah's Prayer
IN THE MOVIE Pinocchio a kindly woodcutter named Geppetto is swallowed by a whale named Monstro. Inside the dark, damp belly of the whale, Geppetto sits for what seems like an eternity. Then one day the whale violently coughs, and the woodcutter is expelled from his watery grave. Sound familiar? Every Sunday-school child would recognize this retelling of the story of Jonah. But unlike the Disney movie, Jonah's incredible adventure is not fantasy but fact.
Warming Up to God
What difficult situation has the Lord delivered you from? Offer your praises to God for his work in your life.
Read Jonah 2. »
Discovering the Word
- Describe the terrible sequence of events after Jonah was thrown overboard (vv. 3, 5-6).
- What initial thoughts and feelings did Jonah have (vv. 3-6)?
- How did these terrifying events affect Jonah's attitude toward God?
- Why do you think God answered Jonah's prayer (vv. 2, 6, 9-10)?
- Why can we be confident God will hear our prayers even if we are suffering the consequences of disobedience?
Applying the Word
- When have you felt like you were in a deep, dark pit (v. 6), either physically, emotionally or spiritually?
- Why do you think we sometimes have to sink so low before we remember God?
Responding in Prayer
Take time now to thank God for his discipline and his grace. Quietly reaffirm your commitment to obey him.
For Further Study
The Message of Jonah by Rosemary Nixon