Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance Answered prayer refers to the instances where God responds to the petitions and supplications of His people, fulfilling their requests or providing guidance and intervention in accordance with His divine will. The concept of answered prayer is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing the personal relationship between believers and God, and highlighting His sovereignty, love, and faithfulness. Biblical Foundations The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the nature of prayer and God's responsiveness to it. In the Old Testament, the prayers of the faithful are often met with divine intervention. For instance, in 1 Samuel 1:27, Hannah prays 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." In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the power and importance of prayer. In Matthew 7:7-8, He encourages believers to be persistent in prayer: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Conditions for Answered Prayer The Bible outlines certain conditions under which prayers are more likely to be answered. These include: 1. Faith: Belief in God's power and willingness to answer prayer is crucial. In Mark 11:24, Jesus states, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." 2. Righteousness: The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. James 5:16 affirms, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." 3. Alignment with God's Will: Prayers should align with God's will and purpose. 1 John 5:14-15 assures believers, "This is the confidence that we have in 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." 4. Persistence: Persistent prayer is encouraged, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, where Jesus teaches the importance of not giving up in prayer. 5. Forgiveness: A forgiving heart is essential for effective prayer. In Mark 11:25, Jesus instructs, "And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your trespasses." Examples of Answered Prayer Throughout Scripture, there are numerous accounts of answered prayer, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power: · Elijah: In 1 Kings 18:36-38, Elijah prays for God to reveal Himself to the people of Israel, and God answers by sending fire from heaven to consume the offering. · Hezekiah: In 2 Kings 20:1-6, King Hezekiah prays for healing, and God extends his life by fifteen years. · The Early Church: In Acts 12:5-17, the early church prays for Peter's release from prison, and God miraculously frees him. Theological Implications Answered prayer underscores the active involvement of God in the lives of believers. It affirms His omnipotence, omniscience, and benevolence. While not all prayers are answered in the way or timing that believers might expect, the assurance of God's perfect wisdom and love provides comfort and encouragement to continue in prayer. Topical Bible Verses John 15:7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you. Topicalbible.org 1 John 3:22 James 5:16 1 Timothy 2:8 Ephesians 6:18 Strong's Hebrew 6279. athar -- to pray, supplicate... root Definition to pray, supplicate NASB Word Usage answered (1), answered their prayers ... supplication (4), moved by his entreaty (1), moved by prayer (2), pray ... /hebrew/6279.htm - 6k Library Answered Prayer. "Getting Things from God" Prayer Answered by Crosses. Foreword A Child's Prayer Answered Prayer Answered, Love Nourished How God Answered Donald's Prayer Christ's Prayer Answered. Prayer for Deliverance Answered, Isa. 26 12-Aug 20 21 Prayer for Deliverance Answered. Isa. 26:12,20,21. Resources Bible Questions Answered | GotQuestions.orgIs the concept of a prayer journal biblical? | GotQuestions.org Are Catholics saved? | GotQuestions.org Answered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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