Have you ever spent time with someone who was close to death? It is not easy to accompany someone who is dying or suffering in some way.

King Hezekiah ruled Judah during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. He encouraged people to stop worshipping idols and, instead, to turn back to the Lord. Moreover, he led by example. Hezekiah himself would go to the Temple and pray.

Today we hear that King Hezekiah has contracted a life-threatening disease and is on the brink of death. Even good and famous people cannot escape suffering.

In the midst of this desperate situation, we hear the king's prayer. He asks God to remember his good deeds and recall his faithfulness through his life. It is a prayer that expresses real agony as well as heartfelt hope in the midst of suffering (Isaiah 38:10-20).

Through the prophet Isaiah, God responds that he has heard Hezekiah's voice. God has seen Hezekiah's tears. The king's life is then prolonged for 15 more years.

What do I do in times of suffering? Do I feel able to speak from my heart and express my suffering to God? Do I believe that God will hear my voice and bless me in some way?