Appealing to God's character is a profound aspect of prayer and intercession found throughout the Bible. This practice involves invoking the attributes and nature of God as a basis for requests, petitions, or intercessions. It reflects a deep understanding of who God is and a reliance on His unchanging nature.

Biblical Foundations

1. God's Faithfulness: One of the most frequently appealed attributes is God's faithfulness. In Deuteronomy 7:9 , it is written, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." This verse underscores the reliability of God in keeping His promises, which believers often cite in their prayers.

2. God's Mercy and Compassion: The Bible frequently highlights God's mercy and compassion as grounds for appeal. In Lamentations 3:22-23 , it states, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" Here, the prophet Jeremiah appeals to God's merciful nature amidst suffering and judgment.

3. God's Justice: God's justice is another attribute to which believers appeal, especially in times of oppression or wrongdoing. Abraham's intercession for Sodom in Genesis 18:25 is a classic example: "Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?" Abraham appeals to God's justice, trusting that He will act righteously.

4. God's Holiness: The holiness of God is a foundational aspect of His character. In Isaiah 6:3 , the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory." This recognition of God's holiness often leads to appeals for purification and guidance, as seen in the prayers of the psalmists.

5. God's Love: The love of God is central to His character and is frequently invoked in prayer. In 1 John 4:8 , it is declared, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This attribute is a source of comfort and assurance, encouraging believers to approach God with confidence.

Examples in Scripture

· Moses: In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses appeals to God's reputation and promises to the patriarchs when interceding for Israel after the golden calf incident. He reminds God of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and God relents from the disaster He had threatened.

· David: In Psalm 51, David appeals to God's mercy and steadfast love after his sin with Bathsheba. He begins, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions" (Psalm 51:1).

· Daniel: In Daniel 9:4-19, Daniel's prayer of confession and supplication appeals to God's righteousness and mercy. He acknowledges the sins of Israel and pleads for God's forgiveness and restoration based on His great mercy.

Theological Implications

Appealing to God's character in prayer is not an attempt to manipulate or change God but rather an expression of faith and trust in His revealed nature. It acknowledges that God's attributes are the foundation of His actions and decisions. This practice encourages believers to deepen their understanding of God's character through Scripture, fostering a relationship built on trust and reverence.

Practical Application

Believers today can incorporate appeals to God's character in their prayers by:
· Studying the attributes of God as revealed in Scripture.
· Reflecting on how these attributes have been demonstrated in their own lives and in biblical history.
· Using these attributes as a basis for their petitions, aligning their requests with God's will and nature.

By doing so, they align their hearts with God's purposes and cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.