Rehoboam is condemned because he did not prepare "his heart to seek the Lord" (2Ch 12:14), while Jehoshaphat is commended for seeking Him (2Ch 19:3). If we would bring upon us a like commendation, then let us carry out the following points in the acrostic on preparation.
P…Praying in the name of Jesus (Jhn 14:14).
R…Regarding the merit of Jesus (Hbr 10:19).
E…Expecting an answer for the sake of Jesus (Jhn 15:16).
P…Purity of heart (Psa 66:18).
A…Abiding in Christ (Jhn 15:7).
R…Righteousness of life (1Ti 2:8).
A…Asking according to God's will (1Jo 5:14).
T…Trusting wholly in the Lord (Hbr 11:6).
I…Importunity, "Ask—Seek—Knock" (Mat 7:7).
O…Obeying the word of the Lord (Jhn 15:7).
N…Nothing in our hearts condemning us (1Jo 3:21-22).