The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. ( 2 Chronicles 16:9 9 For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars. )

God aims to exalt himself by working for those who wait for him. Prayer is the essential activity of waiting for God — acknowledging our helplessness and his power, calling upon him for help, seeking his counsel.

Since his purpose in the world is to be exalted for his mercy, it is evident why prayer is so often commanded by God. Prayer is the antidote for the disease of self-confidence, which opposes God’s goal of getting glory by working for those who wait for him.

“The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him” ( 2 Chronicles 16:9 9 For the eyes of Jehovah run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars. ). God is not looking for people to work for him, so much as he is looking for people who will let him work for them.

The gospel is not a help-wanted ad. Neither is the call to Christian service.

On the contrary, the gospel commands us to give up and hang out a help-wanted sign (this is the basic meaning of prayer). Then the gospel promises that God will work for us if we do.

He will not surrender the glory of being the Giver.