For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
    for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,
till her vindication shines out like the dawn,
    her salvation like a blazing torch.
2 The nations will see your vindication,
    and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
    that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.
3 You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand,
    a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4 No longer will they call you Deserted,
    or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,
    and your land Beulah;
for the Lord will take delight in you,
    and your land will be married.
5 As a young man marries a young woman,
    so will your Builder marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
    so will your God rejoice over you.

6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem;
    they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the Lord,
    give yourselves no rest,
7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem
    and makes her the praise of the earth.

In chapter 61 the coming salvation is proclaimed, in 62 it is prayed for (verses 1,6,7). Surely, if the gospel is to prevail on earth, both prayer and proclamation need to walk hand in hand? It seems to me that God has ‘married’ them, and what He has ‘joined together’ we must ‘not separate’. The verses in this chapter underline the necessity of persevering prayer (see also Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8).

” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14,15)

”As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you.” (2 Thess.3:1).

‘The very invitation to us to pray implies that there are blessings waiting for us at the mercy-seat: “let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” ‘ (C.H.Spurgeon).