Which New Testament passages echo God's responsiveness as seen in Psalm 102:17? Psalm 102:17 — The Touchstone “He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their plea.” The psalmist celebrates a God who bends down to hear the crushed and needy. The New Testament repeatedly affirms that same responsive heart. Passages Where Jesus Affirms the Father’s Open Ear • Matthew 7:7-11 — “Ask…seek…knock…everyone who asks receives…how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” • Luke 11:9-13 — A parallel call to persistent asking, capped with the promise of the Father’s generous answer. • Luke 18:7-8 — In the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus assures that God “will bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night.” • John 14:13-14 — “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do.” • John 15:7 — “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” • John 16:23-24 — “Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” Snapshots from Acts — Real-Life Illustrations • Acts 4:24-31 — The church prays under threat; God shakes the place and fills them with boldness. • Acts 10:4 — An angel tells Cornelius, “Your prayers…have ascended as a memorial before God.” • Acts 12:5-17 — Believers pray earnestly for Peter; an angel leads him out of prison. • Acts 16:25-26 — Paul and Silas sing and pray; an earthquake opens the prison doors. Apostolic Reminders of God’s Listening Ear • Philippians 4:6-7 — “In everything, by prayer and petition…present your requests to God.” Peace follows. • Hebrews 4:16 — “Approach the throne of grace with confidence…find grace to help in time of need.” • James 5:16 — “The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.” • 1 Peter 3:12 — “His ears are inclined to their prayer.” • 1 John 5:14-15 — “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us…we already possess what we have asked of Him.” Bringing the Threads Together Psalm 102:17 anchors a truth the New Testament joyfully confirms: the living God never dismisses the cries of His people. From Jesus’ own teaching to the church’s experience and the apostles’ letters, Scripture consistently portrays a Father who hears, responds, and moves on behalf of those who call on Him. |
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