Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, prayer is a profound means by which believers engage with God, particularly in the context of His covenant. The act of pleading in prayer is a demonstration of faith and reliance on God's promises, as outlined in His covenant with His people.Covenant Context The concept of covenant is central to understanding the relationship between God and His people. A covenant, in biblical terms, is a solemn agreement or promise made by God, often accompanied by specific commitments and assurances. The Old Testament is replete with examples of covenants, such as those made with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David. Each covenant carries with it promises that God is faithful to fulfill. Pleading in Prayer Pleading in prayer within the context of God's covenant involves invoking the promises and faithfulness of God as revealed in His covenantal commitments. This form of prayer is not merely a request but an appeal to God's character and His declared intentions. Biblical Examples 1. Moses' Intercession: In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses pleads with God on behalf of the Israelites after they sinned by worshiping the golden calf. Moses appeals to God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reminding God of His promises to multiply their descendants and give them the land. Moses' prayer is a powerful example of pleading based on God's covenantal faithfulness: "Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self: 'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven, and I will give your descendants all this land I have promised, and it will be their inheritance forever.'" (Exodus 32:13). 2. Solomon's Dedication of the Temple: In 1 Kings 8, during the dedication of the Temple, Solomon prays to God, pleading for His continued presence and favor based on the covenant made with David. Solomon acknowledges the covenant and asks God to hear the prayers of His people when they turn toward the Temple: "And may You listen to the plea of Your servant and Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive." (1 Kings 8:30). 3. Daniel's Prayer for Restoration: In Daniel 9, the prophet Daniel pleads with God for the restoration of Jerusalem. He bases his prayer on the covenantal promises found in the Scriptures, acknowledging the sins of Israel but appealing to God's mercy and covenantal love: "Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, look with favor on Your desolate sanctuary." (Daniel 9:17). Theological Implications Pleading in prayer within the covenantal framework underscores the believer's trust in God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His word. It reflects a deep understanding of the relationship between God and His people, where prayer becomes an act of aligning oneself with God's will as revealed in His covenant. Practical Application For believers today, pleading in prayer involves a heartfelt appeal to God's promises as revealed in Scripture. It is an acknowledgment of human dependence on divine grace and a recognition of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. By invoking the covenant, believers express their confidence in God's eternal promises and His ability to fulfill them in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 14:21Do not abhor us, for your name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of your glory: remember, break not your covenant with us. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Covenant of Grace The Ark of his Covenant The Covenant Promise of the Spirit The Blood of the Covenant Christ in the Covenant What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ... The God of Peace The Prayer of Faith. Kate Lee's Secret Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Resources What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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