The promises of God are a central theme throughout the Bible, serving as a foundation for the faith and hope of believers. These divine assurances are not only a source of comfort but also a powerful tool in the prayer life of the saints. The act of pleading God's promises in prayer is a practice deeply rooted in Scripture, where believers remind God of His commitments, seeking their fulfillment in their lives and circumstances.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of pleading God's promises is exemplified in the lives of many biblical figures. One of the most notable examples is found in the life of King David. In 2 Samuel 7, God makes a covenant with David, promising to establish his throne forever. In response, David enters into prayer, acknowledging God's greatness and pleading for the fulfillment of His promise: "And now, O Lord GOD, confirm forever the word You have spoken concerning Your servant and his house. Do as You have promised" (2 Samuel 7:25).

Similarly, the prophet Daniel provides a profound example of pleading God's promises. In Daniel 9, after reading the prophecy of Jeremiah regarding the seventy years of desolation for Jerusalem, Daniel turns to God in prayer and supplication, seeking the fulfillment of the promise of restoration: "So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes" (Daniel 9:3).

Theological Significance

Pleading the promises of God in prayer is an expression of faith and trust in His unchanging nature. It acknowledges God's sovereignty and His faithfulness to His word. The act of reminding God of His promises is not due to any forgetfulness on His part but serves to strengthen the believer's faith and align their desires with God's will.

The promises of God are numerous and cover various aspects of life, including provision, protection, guidance, and eternal salvation. For instance, in Philippians 4:19, believers are assured of God's provision: "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" . In times of need, saints can plead this promise, trusting in God's provision.

Practical Application

In the life of a believer, pleading God's promises can be a transformative practice. It involves identifying specific promises in Scripture that relate to one's circumstances and incorporating them into prayer. This practice not only deepens one's understanding of God's word but also cultivates a more intimate relationship with Him.

For example, when facing fear or anxiety, a believer might plead the promise found in Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" . By doing so, the believer reaffirms their trust in God's presence and support.

Examples from the Psalms

The Psalms are replete with instances of saints pleading God's promises. Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is a profound meditation on the word of God, with numerous references to His promises. The psalmist declares, "Remember Your word to Your servant, upon which You have given me hope" (Psalm 119:49). Here, the psalmist pleads for God to remember His promise, which serves as a source of hope and encouragement.

In Psalm 89, Ethan the Ezrahite reflects on God's covenant with David, pleading for the fulfillment of His promises despite apparent setbacks: "How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire?" (Psalm 89:46). This plea demonstrates a deep reliance on God's faithfulness, even in times of distress.

Conclusion

The promises of God are a vital aspect of the believer's prayer life, providing assurance and hope. By pleading these promises, saints engage in a dynamic relationship with God, expressing their faith and dependence on His unchanging word. Through this practice, believers are reminded of God's faithfulness and are encouraged to trust in His perfect timing and will.Genesis 32:9,12
And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which said to me, Return to your country, and to your kindred, and I will deal well with you:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 17:23,26
Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as you have said.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 43:26
Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare you, that you may be justified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

God Has Everything to do with Prayer
... Prayer gives efficiency and utility to the promises. ... men, than should the prayers
of God's saints declare the ... of manhood, is the Mediator between God and man. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/iv god has everything to.htm

The Pleading Note in Prayer
... extraordinary arguments as these do God's saints fill their ... search the Scriptures:
collect the promises, and plead ... hast thou not heard, that God giveth power ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xviii the pleading note in.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... and the holy company of saints, reformers, and ... subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness,
obtained promises, stopped the ... Prayer puts God in the matter with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

Twenty-First Day for God's Spirit on the Jews
... Plead the promises of God even where you do not see how they ... God knows the mind of
the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/twenty-first day for gods spirit.htm

The Prayer of Faith.
... God confers other blessings, on both saints and sinners, which ... lie on a shelf, and
expect God to reveal ... it full of such things"precious promises, which you ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm

A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... Sick saints are especially set to take the night-watches ... before the Lord his own
words, and plead his divine ... I fear that very many of God's promises are seldom ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a call to prayer and.htm

The Lord's Prayer. Our Father who Art in Heaven.
... person, whether we be sinners or saints, worthy or ... Such promises ought certainly
to encourage and kindle our ... Therefore God also requires that you lament and ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/the lords prayer our father.htm

The Ark of his Covenant
... Now, secondly, THE COVENANT IS SEEN OF SAINTS: There was ... life, I keep trying and
proving the promises of God ... see the covenant at the right hand of God, when you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/the ark of his covenant.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... Are his infallible promises no ground of joy? ... streams whereof make glad the city
of God.' Must Israel ... Did persecuted saints take joyfully the spoiling of their ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm

The Spirit of Supplication
... be uttered." "He maketh intercession for the saints." It is ... and enable us to appropriate
the wonderful promises given to ... God gives the Spirit as a Spirit of ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter x the spirit of.htm

What are the promises of God? | GotQuestions.org

How do I know which of God's promises are for me? | GotQuestions.org

What are the greatest promises in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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