The Book of Haggai - praying verse by verse

 About the book of Haggai

The Book of Haggai is one of the shorter books in the Old Testament, consisting of only two chapters. It is a prophetic book, attributed to the prophet Haggai, and it addresses the Israelites who had returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

The central theme of Haggai is a call to prioritize the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing the importance of putting God first in their lives. The people had initially started the reconstruction but had become discouraged and complacent, turning their attention to their own houses and neglecting the house of God.

Haggai delivers a series of messages from God urging the people to reconsider their priorities and complete the rebuilding of the temple. The prophet emphasizes that by putting God first and honoring Him, they will receive blessings and prosperity. The people respond positively to Haggai's message, and they resume the work on the temple.

The book concludes with a promise of God's favor and a declaration that Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, will be chosen by God like a signet ring, symbolizing authority and approval.

In summary, the Book of Haggai is a message of encouragement and exhortation to the Israelites to prioritize their relationship with God by completing the reconstruction of the temple and placing God at the center of their lives.

How is the book applicable to us today?

The Book of Haggai contains timeless principles and lessons that can be applicable to individuals and communities today. Here are some ways in which the themes of Haggai are relevant:

Priority of God in our lives:

The primary message of Haggai is the importance of prioritizing God and His work. In our modern lives, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of personal goals, ambitions, and material success. Haggai encourages us to regularly assess our priorities, ensuring that our relationship with God and our commitment to His purposes are at the forefront.

Overcoming complacency and procrastination:

The people in Haggai's time had become complacent and procrastinated in rebuilding the temple. Today, we might face similar challenges in delaying or neglecting important aspects of our spiritual lives, such as prayer, study of scripture, and acts of service. Haggai challenges us to overcome complacency and take action promptly in matters of spiritual significance.

Seeking God's blessings through obedience:

Haggai teaches that obedience to God's commands leads to His favor and blessings. This principle is applicable in our lives today as we strive to align our actions with God's will. Whether in our personal relationships, work, or community involvement, seeking to live according to God's principles can lead to positive outcomes and blessings.

Stewardship of resources:

The rebuilding of the temple in Haggai involved the use of resources. Today, the book prompts us to consider how we use our time, talents, and material possessions. It encourages responsible stewardship and challenges us to use our resources in ways that honor God and benefit others.

Leadership with a sense of purpose:

The reference to Zerubbabel as a signet ring in Haggai suggests a leader chosen by God with authority and approval. In our contemporary context, leaders in various capacities can draw inspiration from Haggai to lead with a sense of purpose, seeking God's guidance and approval in their decision-making.

Perseverance in the face of challenges:

The people faced opposition and challenges in rebuilding the temple, yet Haggai encouraged them to persevere. In our lives, we often encounter difficulties and setbacks. Haggai's message inspires us to persevere in our faith, trusting that God is with us and will bring about positive outcomes.

In essence, the Book of Haggai challenges believers to maintain a vibrant and prioritized relationship with God, take action promptly in matters of spiritual importance, seek God's blessings through obedience, steward resources responsibly, lead with purpose, and persevere in the face of challenges.

Let's begin verse by verse Prayer Chapter 1 Verse 1: "In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,"

Prayer 1: "Heavenly Father, in this momentous year, on the first day of the sixth month, we seek Your guidance just as You spoke through Haggai to Zerubbabel and Joshua. Speak to us today, guide our leaders, and let Your will be done. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 2: "Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the Lord's house should be built."

Prayer 2: "Lord, help us recognize the urgency of the times. May we not delay in fulfilling Your purposes. Grant us the wisdom to understand the importance of building and maintaining Your house. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 3: "Then came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, saying,"

Prayer 3: "Heavenly Father, as You spoke through Haggai in times past, we open our hearts to receive Your word today. Speak to us, O Lord, through Your prophets and guide us in Your ways. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 4: "Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste?"

Prayer 4: "Forgiving Father, if we have prioritized our comfort over the work of Your house, convict our hearts. Stir in us a spirit of action to build and uphold Your dwelling place. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 5: "Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways."

Prayer 5: "Lord, grant us humility and insight to consider our ways. Help us reflect on our priorities and actions, aligning them with Your perfect will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 6: "Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes."

Prayer 6: "Merciful God, if we have toiled in vain and faced lack in our endeavors, redirect our efforts, and guide us to prosperity. Bless the work of our hands. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 7: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways."

Prayer 7: "Lord of hosts, we acknowledge Your sovereignty. Teach us to trust in Your ways and to prioritize Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 8: "Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord."

Prayer 8: "Almighty God, as we embark on the work of building Your house, may our efforts bring You pleasure and glorify Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 9: "Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the Lord of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house."

Prayer 9: "Gracious Father, if we have faced disappointment and setbacks, help us understand and redirect our focus to building Your house. Bless us, O Lord, as we prioritize Your work. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 10: "Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit."

Prayer 10: "Sovereign Lord, if there is a withholding of blessings, forgive us. Open the heavens, and let Your favor flow. Bless our efforts and let the earth yield its fruit. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 11: "And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands."

Prayer 11: "Merciful God, if we have experienced drought in various aspects of our lives, we seek Your mercy and restoration. Bring forth abundance in our land and bless the labor of our hands. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 12: "Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the Lord."

Prayer 12: "Lord, grant us the obedience and fear to respond to Your call. May we, like Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the remnant, obey Your voice and honor Your house. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 13: "Then spake Haggai the Lord's messenger in the Lord's message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the Lord."

Prayer 13: "Almighty God, we take comfort in Your promise that You are with us. May Your presence be evident in our lives and in our community. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 14: "And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the Lord of hosts, their God."

Prayer 14: "Heavenly Father, stir up our spirits to engage in the work of Your house. Grant us the courage and determination to labor for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 15: "In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king."

Prayer 15: "Lord, as we approach the completion of our tasks, we give thanks for Your faithfulness. May all we do be done in accordance with Your will and for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Chapter 2

Verse 1: "In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying,"

Prayer 1: "Heavenly Father, as we enter a new month, we open our hearts to receive Your word. Speak to us, O Lord, through Your prophet Haggai, guiding us in Your ways. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 2: "Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,"

Prayer 2: "Lord, as You spoke to Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people through Haggai, we pray for Your guidance to our leaders and the entire community. May we be attentive to Your voice. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 3: "Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?"

Prayer 3: "Heavenly Father, if we compare the present to the former glory, grant us a perspective that aligns with Your purpose. Help us appreciate the work at hand and look forward to the glory to come. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 4: "Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts:"

Prayer 4: "Lord, we draw strength from Your assurance. May all the people be strengthened in their work for Your glory. We trust in Your presence with us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 5: "According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not."

Prayer 5: "Gracious God, we are grateful for the covenant You made with us. May Your Spirit remain among us, casting out fear. Strengthen our faith as we continue the work You have called us to. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 6: "For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;"

Prayer 6: "Sovereign Lord, as You declare a little while, prepare our hearts for the shaking to come. Help us stand firm in the midst of changes, knowing that You are in control. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 7: "And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts."

Prayer 7: "Heavenly Father, we anticipate the shaking of nations and the coming of the desire of all nations. Fill Your house with glory, and let Your presence be known among us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 8: "The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts."

Prayer 8: "Lord, we acknowledge that all things belong to You. Guide us in the use of resources, and may our hearts be aligned with Your purposes. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 9: "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts."

Prayer 9: "Heavenly Father, we trust in Your promise that the glory of this latter house will surpass the former. Grant us Your peace as we labor for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 10: "In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord by Haggai the prophet, saying,"

Prayer 10: "Lord, as we approach the end of this year, we seek Your guidance. Speak to us through Your prophet, that we may finish strong and align our hearts with Your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 11: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,"

Prayer 11: "Heavenly Father, as You instruct us to seek guidance from Your priests and the understanding of Your law, grant us wisdom and discernment. May we align our lives with Your divine principles. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 12: "If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No."

Prayer 12: "Lord, help us understand the significance of holiness. May our actions and offerings be acceptable in Your sight. Guide us to live in accordance with Your holy standards. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 13: "Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean."

Prayer 13: "Merciful God, help us recognize the consequences of impurity. May we strive for purity in heart and action, seeking Your forgiveness when we fall short. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 14: "Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the Lord; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean."

Prayer 14: "Heavenly Father, if there is impurity in our actions and offerings, forgive us. Create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us. May our works be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 15: "And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the Lord:"

Prayer 15: "Lord, we consider our ways from this day forward. Guide us as we build upon the foundation laid in Your temple. May our efforts be aligned with Your purpose. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 16: "Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty."

Prayer 16: "Gracious God, if we have experienced lack and scarcity, we seek Your provision. Bless our endeavors and multiply the fruits of our labor. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 17: "I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labours of your hands; yet ye turned not to me, saith the Lord."

Prayer 17: "Forgiving Father, if we have faced challenges and yet turned not to You, forgive us. May adversity draw us closer to You, seeking Your guidance and strength. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 18: "Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid, consider it."

Prayer 18: "Lord, we consider from this day forward, reflecting on the foundation of Your temple. May our focus be on building a life that honors You. Guide us in this endeavor. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 19: "Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you."

Prayer 19: "Lord, as we await the manifestation of blessings, we trust in Your promise. May the seed in the barn bring forth abundant fruit. Bless us, O Lord, from this day forward. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 20: "And again the word of the Lord came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,"

Prayer 20: "Heavenly Father, as You spoke to Prophet, we open our hearts to receive Your word. Speak to us in this moment, guiding us in Your ways. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 21: "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;"

Prayer 21: "Lord, as You declare a shaking of heavens and earth, prepare our hearts for the changes to come. May we stand firm in Your promises and trust in Your sovereignty. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 22: "And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother."

Prayer 22: "Sovereign Lord, as You declare the overthrow of kingdoms, we submit to Your divine plan. May Your justice prevail, and may nations turn to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Verse 23: "In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts."

Prayer 23: "Heavenly Father, we thank You for choosing Zerubbabel as a signet. May we also be chosen vessels, sealed by Your grace. Guide us, O Lord, and make us instruments of Your purpose. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Personal Testimony on Reading the Book of Haggai

Walking with God started when my almost 2-year-old daughter told me to read the book of Haggai. That morning, my daughter kept saying "Haggai." I asked her, "What is that?" I could only relate what she said to the book of Haggai, so I asked her, "Do you want Mommy to read Haggai?" She said yes. I said okay.

I went to read the book of Haggai, and the Lord spoke to me through that book.

I knew it was from God, as my daughter has no knowledge of the Bible, least to know the book of Haggai. It is beautiful to see the many miracles the Lord has shown me. I give thanks to Him for His mercy and compassion towards me. All glory, blessings, wisdom, thanksgiving, knowledge, revelation, testimony, power, and might belong to God forever and ever. Amen!

It is About Considering Your Way...

Haggai's message is a call to the people to refocus their efforts on completing the rebuilding of the temple. (Who is the temple?) The prophet emphasizes that the people's neglect of the temple has resulted in economic hardships and divine displeasure.

Haggai delivers a series of messages from God, urging the people to consider their ways, to rebuild the temple (that is us), and to trust in God's promise of future blessings.

The Book of Haggai is a call to spiritual renewal, obedience to God's commands, and a reminder of the importance of honoring and worshiping God through the reconstruction of the temple (that is us). The book talks about faithfulness, repentance, and the consequences of neglecting God's priorities.

It speaks about being chosen by God to be God's servant, and God making the chosen as a "signet" signifies a position of honor, authority, and approval from and given by God. Not by your strength but completely by God's choice for His glory through His mercy.

Even though it is only a 2-chapter book, hidden in it are many treasures. When you read it, you will see how God uses this book to rebuke and chasten at the same time as His children. To repent, to look at one's life, and to walk in repentance, to seek the one true God, to not forget your calling, to know His way, to search Him out, and through repenting and focusing on rebuilding and restoring your walk with Him, He will then give you the blessings and use you as His sword—all by His grace, His righteousness, His kingdom purpose...