Topical Bible: Prayer: Experience of Past Mercies an Incentive To

◄ Prayer: Experience of Past Mercies an Incentive To ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Prayer, as a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, is deeply enriched by the remembrance of God's past mercies. The experience of divine intervention and blessings in previous circumstances serves as a powerful incentive to approach God with confidence and trust in prayer. This concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, where the faithful are encouraged to recall God's past deeds as a foundation for present and future supplications.

Biblical Foundations

The Psalms frequently highlight the importance of remembering God's past mercies as a catalyst for prayer. In Psalm 77:11-12 , the psalmist declares, "I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds." This reflection on God's historical acts of deliverance and provision inspires the believer to seek Him anew, trusting in His unchanging nature and faithfulness.

Similarly, in Psalm 143:5 , David states, "I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands." Here, the act of recalling God's past interventions becomes a source of hope and encouragement, prompting the believer to engage in prayer with renewed vigor and expectation.

Historical Examples

The Israelites' journey through the wilderness provides a vivid illustration of how past mercies can motivate prayer. In Deuteronomy 8:2-3 , Moses reminds the people, "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years... He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna." This recollection of God's provision serves as a reminder of His faithfulness, encouraging the Israelites to trust Him for future needs.

King Jehoshaphat's prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12 exemplifies this principle. Facing a formidable enemy, he begins his prayer by recounting God's past victories for Israel: "O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations?" By anchoring his plea in the memory of God's previous acts, Jehoshaphat strengthens his faith and that of his people.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the experience of past mercies underscores the character of God as faithful, sovereign, and benevolent. It affirms the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and that His past actions are a testament to His enduring commitment to them. This understanding fosters a deeper reliance on God, encouraging believers to approach Him with boldness and assurance in prayer.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often draws upon the theme of remembrance as a means to encourage prayerful dependence on God. In 2 Corinthians 1:10 , he writes, "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us." Paul's confidence in future deliverance is rooted in the memory of God's past rescues, illustrating how past mercies fuel present faith and prayer.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the practice of recalling God's past mercies can transform their prayer lives. By intentionally reflecting on personal and communal experiences of God's faithfulness, Christians can cultivate a spirit of gratitude and trust. This practice not only enhances individual prayer but also strengthens the collective faith of the church community, as shared testimonies of God's goodness inspire and encourage others.

Incorporating the remembrance of past mercies into prayer can take various forms, such as journaling, sharing testimonies, or meditating on Scripture. These practices serve to remind believers of God's unchanging nature and His willingness to act on behalf of His people, thus motivating them to seek Him with renewed fervor and expectation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 4:1
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: you have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 112:2
His seed shall be mighty on earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

part ii
... on earth, those who give alms often obtain great mercies from their ... This is from
experience. ... natured ones, so also the heavenly Father, at the prayer of those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Canones Synodi Dordrechtan??.
... him, for adoring the depth of his mercies, and rendering ... XVI. Those who do not yet
experience a lively faith in ... are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ...
/.../canones synodi dordrechtanae.htm