The practice of pleading the promises of God in prayer is a deeply rooted tradition within the Christian faith, reflecting a profound trust in the reliability and faithfulness of God's Word. This practice involves reminding God of His promises as revealed in the Scriptures, not as a means of manipulation, but as an expression of faith and reliance on His unchanging nature.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of pleading God's promises is grounded in the understanding that God's Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). The saints of old often turned to God's promises as a source of hope and assurance. In the Old Testament, we see figures like Moses and David who, in their prayers, reminded God of His covenant and promises to His people.

For instance, Moses interceded for Israel by appealing to God's promise and reputation among the nations: "Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Overlook the stubbornness of this people and their wickedness and sin" (Deuteronomy 9:27). Here, Moses pleads with God to remember His covenant with the patriarchs.

Similarly, King David frequently invoked God's promises in his prayers. In Psalm 119:49, David prays, "Remember Your word to Your servant, upon which You have given me hope" . This verse highlights David's reliance on God's promises as a source of hope and encouragement.

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, the practice continues as believers are encouraged to hold fast to the promises of God. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often reminds the early church of the promises of God as a foundation for their faith and prayers. In 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul writes, "For all the promises of God are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him, our 'Amen' is spoken to the glory of God" . This verse underscores the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ and the believer's role in affirming them through prayer.

Theological Significance

Pleading the promises of God in prayer is not about reminding a forgetful deity but about aligning oneself with God's will and purposes. It is an act of faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty and His commitment to His Word. This practice is rooted in the belief that God is faithful and His promises are sure, as stated in Numbers 23:19: "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" .

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, pleading the promises of God in prayer involves a deep engagement with Scripture. It requires knowing the promises of God, understanding their context, and applying them appropriately to one's life and circumstances. This practice encourages believers to immerse themselves in the Word of God, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.

In times of trial or uncertainty, believers can find solace and strength in God's promises. For example, in moments of fear, one 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" .

Conclusion

The practice of pleading the promises of God in prayer is a testament to the enduring faith of the saints and their unwavering trust in God's Word. It serves as a powerful reminder of the believer's relationship with a faithful God who honors His promises and invites His children to approach Him with confidence and assurance.Psalm 119:25,28,41,76,169
My soul sticks to the dust: quicken you me according to your word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Prayer of Faith.
... God confers other blessings, on both saints and sinners ... Search the Scriptures, and
see where you can get ... things"precious promises, which you may plead in faith ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm

The Pleading Note in Prayer
... such extraordinary arguments as these do God's saints fill their ... put Him in remembrance:
search the Scriptures: collect the promises, and plead with Him to ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xviii the pleading note in.htm

The Lord's Prayer. Our Father who Art in Heaven.
... Therefore we read in the Scriptures that He is ... our person, whether we be sinners
or saints, worthy or ... also requires that you lament and plead such necessities ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/the lords prayer our father.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... Did persecuted saints take joyfully the spoiling of their ... Plead with it in the most
moving and affecting ... command thee to "teach the Scriptures diligently unto ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... not you make the same work with the other scriptures, as you ... of it; we are talking
now of communion of saints, church communion, and I plead, that to ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... Father and of Christ alone; and he will plead the cause ... things about Mary, the rest
of the saints, and about ... to the sure judgment of the scriptures, cannot be ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 2 on the sufficiency.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... examples of the same kind occur in the Scriptures, from which ... is manifest that the
faith of the saints was often ... For, as Paul says "All the promises of God in ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... and they could not have confidence to plead with God ... who have been diligent students
of the Scriptures, and who ... they have shed the blood of saints and prophets ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... and they could not have confidence to plead with God ... who have been diligent students
of the Scriptures and who ... they have shed the blood of saints and prophets ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... You may further plead, in addition to all this ... is the most fitting word of rebuke
for erring saints. ... with this one gift of the Scriptures, which abundantly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

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