Topical Encyclopedia
Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a means of communication with God. The Bible provides numerous examples of answered prayers, which serve as a powerful motivation for believers to persist in prayer. The assurance that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, encouraging Christians to maintain a steadfast prayer life.
Biblical Examples of Answered PrayerThe Bible is replete with instances where God answers the prayers of His faithful servants. One of the most notable examples is found in the account of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. In
1 Samuel 1:27 , Hannah prays earnestly for a child, and God grants her request: "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him." Hannah's experience demonstrates that God is attentive to the heartfelt petitions of His people.
Another significant example is King Hezekiah, who, when faced with illness and the threat of death, turned to God in prayer. In
2 Kings 20:5 , God responds through the prophet Isaiah, saying, "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you." Hezekiah's healing serves as a testament to God's willingness to intervene in the lives of those who seek Him earnestly.
The New Testament also provides examples of answered prayer, such as the early church's prayers for Peter's release from prison. In
Acts 12:5-7 , the church prays fervently, and God sends an angel to free Peter, demonstrating His power and responsiveness to collective prayer.
Theological Basis for Continued PrayerTheologically, the practice of prayer is rooted in the character of God as a loving and responsive Father. Jesus Himself encourages persistent prayer in the parable of the persistent widow in
Luke 18:1-8 , emphasizing that God will "bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night." This parable underscores the importance of perseverance in prayer, assuring believers that God is attentive to their needs.
Moreover, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to "pray without ceasing" (
1 Thessalonians 5:17), highlighting the necessity of a continuous and active prayer life. The assurance of answered prayer serves as a catalyst for this ongoing dialogue with God, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.
Encouragement for BelieversThe knowledge that God answers prayer provides immense encouragement for believers to continue in prayer.
James 5:16 states, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This promise assures Christians that their prayers are not in vain but are powerful and effective.
Furthermore, Jesus' teaching in
Matthew 7:7-8 reinforces this encouragement: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." The progression of asking, seeking, and knocking illustrates the dynamic nature of prayer and God's readiness to respond.
Practical ImplicationsThe reality of answered prayer has practical implications for the believer's life. It fosters a sense of hope and expectation, knowing that God is actively involved in the details of their lives. This assurance motivates believers to bring their requests, concerns, and praises before God, trusting in His wisdom and timing.
Additionally, the testimony of answered prayers serves as a powerful witness to others, demonstrating the reality of God's presence and power. Sharing these testimonies can inspire and encourage fellow believers to deepen their own prayer lives.
In summary, the biblical record of answered prayers provides a compelling motive for continued prayer. It affirms God's faithfulness and responsiveness, encouraging believers to persist in their petitions and to cultivate a vibrant and enduring relationship with their Creator.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 116:2Because he has inclined his ear to me, therefore will I call on him as long as I live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... on earth; frequent, plain, sensible, and immediate answers to prayer ... God; and, when
done from this motive, she said they were as delightful as prayer itself ...
/.../letter i the christians mark.htm
Who Shall Deliver?
... sin because we are under grace?" and answers, "God forbid ... conquer your reluctance
or deadness in prayer, but failed. You strove by every motive of shame or love ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter vii who shall deliver.htm
The Flood-Tide of Power.
... to be barren of results, though long continued; and Jeremiah's ... injection of a new
and mighty motive power ... men that God still lives and actually answers prayer. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the flood-tide of power.htm
Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... been in God, and who had continued in prayer day and ... reasons for such marriages,
he shews the motive of his ... He answers immediately: because it is worse to burn ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm
The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ...
... the Qal vaChomer, light and heavy,' and answers to our ... to all similar circumstances,
when prayer seems so ... 4669] inaccessible to the highest motive, the fear of ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the three last.htm
1872-1874. Letter from Rev. AMW Christopher --Letter from Gulf of ...
... the love of Christ must be the great motive; yet we should ... dens around our Home,
in every small room prayer-meeting, or ... "We have to-day realised answers to your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter v 1872-1874 letter from.htm
Galatians Chapter vi.
... and presses them forward by another motive, saying, "As ... in the doctrine of the Church;
and prayer, invoking grace ... The boldness of the handwriting answers to the ...
/.../galatians chapter vi.htm
The Good Samaritan.
... this example, as to the character and motive of the ... he ever entertain of the publican's
prayer, "God be ... law." The lawyer, a professed theologian, answers well. ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xvii the good samaritan.htm
The Life of Mr. Robert Blair.
... on a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, and towards ... and made use of faith as
a motive to stir ... king James had been present, and heard what answers that man ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 6.htm
Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... And this is a still farther motive and encouragement to ... It, in some measure, answers
some of the ends ... with your observing solemn times of fasting and prayer. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm
Resources
Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
