When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 12He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 13“Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.”

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’ ”

Nevertheless, the Lord did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to arouse his anger.

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. 2He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, and to obey the words of the covenant written in this book.

The other events of Josiah’s reign and his acts of devotion in accordance with what is written in the Law of the Lord— 27all the events, from beginning to end, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Lord God my Father,

Your law brings abundant life, help me to be strong against turning away from you and following my sinful nature. Help me to stay under your authority and protection so my way is a blessing to you in all things. I repent of my sinful nature and wholeheartedly wish to live by your way. Deliver me and my family so we are your mouthpiece. Restore this land to the nation that pleases you. Give me your power and energy to accomplish your will.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen