Added Years for Praise, Thanks and Service

Second Kings 20:1 relates those days when Hezekiah became mortally ill. He wept bitterly, prayed to the Lord and requested a longer life. The Lord's response was in verse 6, "I will add fifteen years to your life." You can read in chapter 20 of the sign that the Lord gave to Hezekiah in answer to his prayer. Recently I learned of the passing of a dear friend, Dave Fahrenbruch, who as early in life as 17 experienced Hodgkin's Disease and for quite a number of years, battled medical issues. It was evident in Dave's life that the added years given to him by God were well used in singing His praises, and striving to live a Christ-like life. I am uncertain why someone as Hezekiah had his life lengthened as a result of prayer, while there are many others who utter the same request and don't receive a similar answer. I continue to make the request for lengthened years, yet in a recent blog on James 4:15, stated that we must recognize that we have a will to respect, which is God's. The basis for my prayer for lengthened years is from Psalm 6:5, "For there is no mention of Thee in death; in Sheol who will give Thee thanks?" I believe that the psalmist is stating quite simply that he desires to give voice (praise, thanks and testimony to God's glory) as long as he has breath. That is simply the sentiment in which my prayer is offered. I desire lengthened years to praise Him, thank Him, serve Him and give Him glory.