Topical Bible: Holy Boldness: Have, in Prayer

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Definition and Context
Holy boldness in prayer refers to the confident and courageous approach believers are encouraged to take when communicating with God. This concept is rooted in the understanding of God's character as loving and approachable, and in the believer's identity as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Holy boldness is not presumptuous or irreverent; rather, it is a respectful yet confident assurance that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to approach God with boldness in prayer. This boldness is grounded in the work of Jesus Christ, who has made a way for believers to enter God's presence with confidence.

1. Hebrews 4:16 · "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This verse highlights the invitation to approach God boldly, emphasizing the availability of mercy and grace.

2. Ephesians 3:12 · "In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence." Here, the Apostle Paul underscores that it is through faith in Christ that believers have the privilege of entering God's presence boldly.

3. 1 John 5:14-15 · "And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him." This passage assures believers that their prayers are heard when aligned with God's will, fostering a bold approach in prayer.

Examples of Holy Boldness in Prayer
Several biblical figures exemplify holy boldness in their prayers, demonstrating a deep trust in God's power and willingness to act.

· Abraham · In Genesis 18:22-33, Abraham intercedes for Sodom with remarkable boldness, negotiating with God to spare the city if righteous people are found there. His approach is both humble and confident, reflecting a deep relationship with God.

· Moses · In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses boldly intercedes for the Israelites after they sin with the golden calf. He appeals to God's promises and character, demonstrating a boldness rooted in his understanding of God's covenant.

· David · The Psalms are replete with examples of David's bold prayers. In Psalm 27:1-3, David expresses fearless confidence in God's protection, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Theological Implications
Holy boldness in prayer is a reflection of the believer's faith and trust in God's character and promises. It acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness while expressing a deep reliance on His grace and mercy. This boldness is not self-generated but is a result of the believer's relationship with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to cultivate holy boldness in their prayer lives by:

· Understanding their identity in Christ · Recognizing that they are children of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), which grants them access to God's presence.

· Aligning with God's will · Praying with the confidence that comes from seeking God's will and purposes, as outlined in Scripture.

· Trusting in God's promises · Holding fast to the promises of God, which provide a foundation for bold and confident prayer.

· Cultivating a relationship with God · Developing a deep, personal relationship with God through regular prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to His commands, which fosters a natural boldness in approaching Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 3:12
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Holy Spirit Our Helper in Prayer
... Heavenly life, especially in the simple service of prayer. ... His will, that we ask
with holy boldness and freedom ... Then "we know that we have the petitions that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the reality of prayer/xiv the holy spirit our.htm

Paul and his Requests for Prayer (Continued)
... Humble but holy boldness is of the very first importance. ... is one answer, and it is
that prayer can do ... We have the answer in Paul's words again, in connection ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xvi paul and his requests.htm

Paul and his Requests for Prayer
... The intellect and the affections have never been linked ... turn to my salvation though
your prayer, and the ... Shame was taken away, holy boldness secured, and life ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xv paul and his requests.htm

The Prayer of the Regenerated.
... And how can he have a vivid realization of his spiritual distress ... God in the fellowship
of love except the Holy Spirit create boldness and confidence in ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xlii the prayer of the.htm

Prevailing Prayer.
... Such prayer is often offered in the present day, when Christians have been wrought
up to such a pitch of importunity and such a holy boldness, that afterwards ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture iv prevailing prayer.htm

Twenty-Ninth Lesson. According to his Will;
... Let us yield ourselves unreservedly to the Holy Spirit as ... includes all that His power
and love have promised to ... This is the boldness which we have, that if we ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/twenty-ninth lesson according to his.htm

Letter Xc. To the Holy Brethren the Bishops of the West.
... enough to stir the pity of men who have learnt the ... Ever be spoken among us with boldness
that famous dogma ... one substance with the Father, and the Holy Ghost is ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xc to the holy.htm

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... and stir us up to a holy boldness and persistence ... faint,' and Himself recommends
to us a holy importunity, which ... does not open immediately, and we have to keep ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer
... they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and ... Spirit, the speaking God's word with
boldness and power ... we have the intimate connection between the Pentecostal ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ii the ministration of.htm

In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ...
... gives holy aptness to enter, and holy boldness, firmness, and ... They are the ones who
have set up His ... to suspend the necessity or force of prayer"no substitute ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter viii in gods name.htm