Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian tradition, the act of prayer is a profound expression of faith and reliance on God. Throughout the Bible, the saints—those who are set apart for God's purposes—demonstrate a deep commitment to prayer, often experiencing God's direct intervention in response to their petitions. When God answers prayer, it is not only a moment of personal triumph but also an opportunity to bless and glorify God for His faithfulness and mercy.
Biblical Examples of Answered Prayers:1.
Hannah's Prayer for a Child: In
1 Samuel 1, Hannah, who was barren, prayed earnestly for a son. God answered her prayer, and she bore Samuel. In response, Hannah offered a prayer of thanksgiving, blessing God for His faithfulness: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation" (
1 Samuel 2:1).
2.
David's Deliverance: King David frequently sought God's guidance and deliverance from his enemies. In
Psalm 18, David praises God for answering his prayers and delivering him: "I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies" (
Psalm 18:3). David's life is a testament to the power of prayer and the importance of blessing God for His answers.
3.
Hezekiah's Healing: In
2 Kings 20, King Hezekiah fell ill and prayed for healing. God heard his prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life. Hezekiah responded by blessing God and acknowledging His mercy: "The living, the living—they praise You, as I do today; fathers make known Your faithfulness to their children" (
Isaiah 38:19).
4.
The Early Church's Deliverance: In
Acts 12, the early church prayed fervently for Peter's release from prison. God answered their prayers by sending an angel to free him. The church responded with great joy and thanksgiving, recognizing God's intervention as a reason to bless His name.
Theological Significance:The saints' responses to answered prayers highlight several key theological themes:
·
God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness: Answered prayers affirm God's sovereign control over all circumstances and His faithfulness to His promises. The saints' blessings and praises are acknowledgments of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people.
·
The Power of Prayer: The Bible consistently illustrates that prayer is a powerful tool for believers. When God answers prayer, it serves as a testament to the efficacy of prayer and encourages the faithful to continue seeking Him in all things.
·
Gratitude and Worship: Answered prayers naturally lead to expressions of gratitude and worship. The saints model a heart posture that recognizes God's goodness and responds with praise, thus fulfilling the biblical exhortation to "give thanks in all circumstances" (
1 Thessalonians 5:18).
·
Community and Testimony: The saints' public blessings of God for answered prayers serve as a testimony to others, strengthening the faith of the community and drawing attention to God's active presence in the world.
In summary, the saints' practice of blessing God for answered prayers is a vital aspect of their spiritual lives, reflecting a deep trust in God's providence and a commitment to glorifying Him in all circumstances.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 66:20Blessed be God, which has not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... combining thanksgiving with prayer is found in the Old Testament saints, we have ...
the mercies which you possess today, and rejoice in, are answers to prayer. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm
Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... made perfect and fit to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. ...
There is not a church in London, that has had such answers to prayer as we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm
Prayer --Fills Man's Poverty with God's Riches
... when we affirm that God answers prayer, and answers by giving ... by the prayers of the
soldier saints everywhere ... of deep and true vision who can administer prayer. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/ii prayerfills mans poverty with.htm
Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy
... a manner that they themselves did no more doubt their being answers to their ... O saints
of God ... shall perish will be the day unbrightened by a prayer; and perhaps ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/prayerthe forerunner of mercy.htm
A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... vine, and under your own fig-tree, and talk to the poor tried saints, and say ... many
in this Church who were led to seek the Lord through answers to prayer. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm
God Seeks Intercessors
... Faith sees the intercession of the saints to be ... to Him, and stand before Him, and
bless the people ... and to prove how actually and abundantly He answers prayer. ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiv god seeks intercessors.htm
Prayer and Faith (Continued)
... God so that He hears me and answers my prayers? ... is to change unbelieving sinners
into praying and believing saints. ... bring the blessing, yet it puts prayer in a ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ii prayer and faith continued.htm
Christ's Priestly Office
... Christ shows his own wounds, and by virtue of his bloody sufferings answers all
the ... It is Christ's prayer in heaven that makes the saints' prayers so ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 christs priestly office.htm
Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... special class, and met with special promises), except to saints. ... Then that prayer
is not an abomination; but all other ... in it, and you will get answers to your ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm
Religion --A Reality
... Ah, these were singular coincidences!" Why, I have seen in my life, answers to prayer
so remarkable ... The saints will tell you it is no trifle to be converted. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/religiona reality.htm
Resources
What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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