Definition and Context:
A petition for divine intervention is a fervent request made to God, seeking His direct involvement in human affairs. This practice is deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, where believers turn to God in times of need, distress, or uncertainty, trusting in His power and willingness to intervene in the world.

Biblical Basis:
The Bible is replete with examples of individuals and communities petitioning God for intervention. These petitions often arise in moments of crisis, reflecting a deep reliance on God's sovereignty and mercy.

1. Old Testament Examples:
· Moses and the Israelites: In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses intercedes for the Israelites after they sin by worshiping the golden calf. Moses petitions God to relent from His anger and spare the people, appealing to His promises and reputation among the nations.
· Hannah's Prayer: In 1 Samuel 1:10-11, Hannah, in her deep anguish, petitions the Lord for a child. Her heartfelt prayer is a model of personal petition, demonstrating faith and persistence.
· Jehoshaphat's Plea: In 2 Chronicles 20:5-12, King Jehoshaphat stands before the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, petitioning God for help against a vast enemy army. His prayer acknowledges God's past faithfulness and seeks His deliverance.

2. New Testament Examples:
· The Lord's Prayer: In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, including petitions for daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. This prayer underscores the importance of seeking God's intervention in daily life.
· The Early Church: In Acts 4:24-31, the early Christians, facing persecution, lift their voices together in prayer, petitioning God for boldness to speak His word and for signs and wonders to be performed in Jesus' name.

Theological Significance:
Petitioning for divine intervention is an expression of faith in God's omnipotence and benevolence. It acknowledges human limitations and the need for God's guidance and power. Such petitions are grounded in the belief that God is both willing and able to act on behalf of His people.

Conditions for Effective Petition:
The Bible outlines several conditions that can affect the efficacy of petitions for divine intervention:

· Faith: James 1:6-7 emphasizes the necessity of faith, stating, "But let him ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
· Righteousness: James 5:16 highlights the power of a righteous person's prayer, noting, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail."
· Alignment with God's Will: 1 John 5:14 assures believers that if they ask anything according to God's will, He hears them.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to approach God with confidence, as Hebrews 4:16 invites, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This assurance is rooted in the character of God, who is compassionate and responsive to the cries of His people.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not guarantee that every petition will be answered in the manner or timing desired, it consistently affirms God's attentiveness to the prayers of His people and His ultimate purpose to work all things for good (Romans 8:28).