Habakkuk’s Prayer

By Frank Williams

June 15, 2026

Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Knowing that God’s Judgment will come does not have to bring despair. Habakkuk heard God’s message of judgment, and knowing it to be true, he accepted the righteousness of it. It affected him, yet he prayed for revival.

Notice a few things about his prayer.

It was short. A general rule for prayers may be—short for public, longer for private. And there are examples in the Bible of longer prayers, but short prayers can be just as effective. When Peter was in desperate and immediate need, and sinking in the water, he prayed a simple, short prayer—”Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30) There was no time for details that the Lord already knew. Peter’s prayer drove directly to the urgent need, and Jesus immediately answered that prayer.

There was passion in Habakkuk’s prayer. He repeats the Name of Jehovah—”O LORD, O LORD.” That’s where our focus needs to be! We need to forsake the rote routines of prayer and put some heart into our words. It is fervent, heartfelt prayers that can make a difference.

He prays specifically for three things: Revival. For God to make Himself known. For God to remember mercy.

The prayer does not ask for Justice, but for Mercy. God is always just in His judgments, but it is amazing how often God shows that He has a merciful heart. He loves mercy. He prefers mercy. The Prophets are full of warnings of judgment, but regularly, God appeals to His people because He delights in mercy.

• Micah 7:18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

Reflection—In prayer, do not appeal to your merit but appeal to God’s mercy.