22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty. This sort of reminded me of faith healing and not asking doctors for help. Same thing or not?

Thanks for the response Tony. So I know we don't practice faith healing, yet here we see the same thing, with as you mentioned a positive outcome. Here Ezra avoids a practical solution (doctor, medicine, etc.) instead choosing to avoid a traditionally street smart course of action and instead pray and fast. The positive outcome reinforces the idea that this was not bravado but was the wise and appropriate course of action.

Thanks Doug, thats an interesting take. Take the case http://www.medicaldaily.com/oregon-faith-healing-parents-charged-manslaughter-daughters-death-diabetes-255240. They obviously felt that God was offering them that avenue. In your opinion, did they just misunderstand their direction from above?