Topical Encyclopedia
The "Prayer of Scribes" is not a specific prayer found verbatim in the Bible, but rather a concept that can be derived from the biblical understanding of the role and responsibilities of scribes in ancient Israel. Scribes were learned men who were responsible for copying, preserving, and teaching the Scriptures. Their work was crucial in maintaining the accuracy and transmission of God's Word throughout generations.
Biblical ContextScribes are frequently mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, they were often associated with the priesthood and the administration of the law. Ezra, a prominent scribe, is a key figure who exemplifies the role of a scribe in prayer and devotion to God's Word.
Ezra 7:10 states, "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel."
In the New Testament, scribes are often seen in the context of their interactions with Jesus. They were experts in the Law and were sometimes criticized by Jesus for their legalism and hypocrisy. However, their role as preservers and teachers of the Scriptures was still significant.
The Role of Prayer in the Life of a ScribePrayer was an integral part of a scribe's life, as it was essential for seeking divine guidance and understanding in their work. The process of copying and interpreting the Scriptures required not only intellectual effort but also spiritual discernment. Scribes would have prayed for wisdom, accuracy, and the ability to convey God's truth faithfully.
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is a profound reflection on the Word of God and is often associated with the heart of a scribe. Verses such as
Psalm 119:18 , "Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law," reflect the prayerful attitude a scribe would have had in approaching the Scriptures.
Jesus and the ScribesIn the Gospels, Jesus frequently engaged with scribes, challenging them to look beyond the letter of the Law to its spirit. In
Mark 12:28-34 , a scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment, and Jesus responds by emphasizing love for God and neighbor. The scribe acknowledges Jesus' wisdom, and Jesus commends him, saying, "You are not far from the kingdom of God" (
Mark 12:34). This interaction highlights the potential for scribes to understand and embrace the deeper truths of God's Word through prayerful reflection.
Application for TodayWhile the specific role of a scribe as it existed in biblical times no longer exists, the principles of prayerful engagement with Scripture remain relevant. Believers today are encouraged to approach the Bible with the same reverence and prayerful attitude that characterized the scribes.
James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
In summary, the "Prayer of Scribes" can be understood as the prayerful dedication to studying, preserving, and teaching God's Word, seeking divine wisdom and understanding in the process. This concept serves as a model for all who desire to engage deeply with the Scriptures and live out its truths.
Nave's Topical Index
Mark 12:40Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
Nave's Topical IndexLuke 20:47
Which devour widows' houses, and for a show make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ...
... [As teachers of the law of Moses the scribes and Pharisees ... rabbi should pray one
hour, and that he should meditate for an hour before and an hour after prayer. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cx jesus last public discourse.htm
Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord
... His prayer referred to just named, in the form of thanksgiving, sets ... own eyes, skilled
in letters, cultured, learned, philosophers, scribes, doctors, rabbis ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/viii prayer incidents in the.htm
Miracles Granted to the Prayer of Friends.
... for surely the true servant is one of the family: we have the prayer of a ... The scribes
were right when they said that none could forgive sins but God"that is ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/vi miracles granted to the.htm
Ministry
... The multitude are "amazed at the mighty power of God," while the scribes, defeated
and ... us, and help us." How many a sin-burdened soul has echoed that prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 47 ministry.htm
Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification
... This is our prayer"Lord, spiritualize us; elevate us; make us to dwell in ... merely
moral, how does your righteousness exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/our lords prayer for his.htm
The Second Cleansing of the Temple
... proselyte, when it was written Thy house shall be called a house of prayer for all ...
to a mortal heat the hatred of the chief priests and the scribes, who saw at ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 11 15-19 the second cleansing.htm
The Gospel of Luke
... of his demands, as a result of which many were amazed and Pharisees and Scribes
were filled with hatred, 4: 14 6: 11. After a night of prayer the Lord now ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of luke.htm
The Demoniac Boy
... He will question the scribes while the man with a withered hand awaits His ... trust
in its wild urgency than in many a reverential and carefully weighed prayer. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 14-29 the demoniac boy.htm
Christ Pleads his Will
... The merciless mockery of the multitude, the scorning sneers of the scribes, and
the ... would sweep over the souls of the redeemed if Christ's prayer should not be ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 14 christ pleads his.htm
The Sermon on the Mount.
... The scribes and Pharisees were such, and Christ predicted the coming of others
(Matthew 24:5, 24), and ... [To say, "Lord, Lord," is to call on the Lord in prayer. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 10.htm
Resources
Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus