Prayer of Scribes
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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 Context

Scribes 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 Scribe

Prayer 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 Scribes

In 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 Today

While 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 12:40
Which devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 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.org

What is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Answers To Prayer: A Motive for Continued Prayer

Answers To Prayer: Abraham

Answers To Prayer: Abraham's Servant

Answers To Prayer: Apostles

Answers To Prayer: Asa

Answers To Prayer: Blind Man

Answers To Prayer: Christ Gives

Answers To Prayer: Christ Received

Answers To Prayer: Cornelius

Answers To Prayer: Daniel

Answers To Prayer: David

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who are Blood Shedders

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who are Deaf to the Cry of the Poor

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who are Hypocrites

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who are Idolaters

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who are Proud

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who are Self-Righteous

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who are the Enemies of Saints

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who are Wavering

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Ask Amiss

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Cruelly Oppress Saints

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Forsake God

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Hear not the Law

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Live in Sin

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Offer Unworthy Service to God

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Regard Iniquity in the Heart

Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Reject the Call of God

Answers To Prayer: Elijah

Answers To Prayer: Elisha

Answers To Prayer: Ezra

Answers To Prayer: God Gives

Answers To Prayer: Granted: Beyond Expectation

Answers To Prayer: Granted: Sometimes After Delay

Answers To Prayer: Granted: Sometimes Differently from Our Desire

Answers To Prayer: Granted: Sometimes Immediately

Answers To Prayer: Granted: Through the Grace of God

Answers To Prayer: Hannah

Answers To Prayer: Hezekiah

Answers To Prayer: Israelites

Answers To Prayer: Jabez

Answers To Prayer: Jacob

Answers To Prayer: Jehoahaz

Answers To Prayer: Jehoshaphat

Answers To Prayer: Jeremiah

Answers To Prayer: Job

Answers To Prayer: Jonah

Answers To Prayer: Lot

Answers To Prayer: Man of God

Answers To Prayer: Manasseh

Answers To Prayer: Moses

Answers To Prayer: Nehemiah

Answers To Prayer: Paul

Answers To Prayer: Paul and Silas

Answers To Prayer: Promised

Answers To Prayer: Promised Especially in Times of Trouble

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who are Poor and Needy

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who are Righteous

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Abide in Christ

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Ask According to God's Will

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Ask in Faith

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Ask in the Name of Christ

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Call Upon God in Truth

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Call Upon God Under Affliction

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Call Upon God Under Oppression

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Fear God

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Humble Themselves

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Keep God's Commandments

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Return to God

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Seek God

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Seek God With all the Heart

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Set Their Love Upon God

Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who: Wait Upon God

Answers To Prayer: Refusal of Elders of Israel

Answers To Prayer: Refusal of Pharisees

Answers To Prayer: Refusal of Saul

Answers To Prayer: Saints are Assured of

Answers To Prayer: Saints: Bless God For

Answers To Prayer: Saints: Love God For

Answers To Prayer: Saints: Praise God For

Answers To Prayer: Samson

Answers To Prayer: Samuel

Answers To Prayer: Solomon

Answers To Prayer: The Christians

Answers To Prayer: Thief on the Cross

Answers To Prayer: Zacharias

Intercessory Prayer by Ministers for Their People

Intercessory Prayer: Abraham

Intercessory Prayer: Abraham's Servant

Intercessory Prayer: Beneficial to the offerer

Intercessory Prayer: Christ Set an Example of

Intercessory Prayer: Church of Jerusalem

Intercessory Prayer: Commanded

Intercessory Prayer: Daniel

Intercessory Prayer: David

Intercessory Prayer: Elisha

Intercessory Prayer: Encouragement To

Intercessory Prayer: Epaphras

Intercessory Prayer: Ezekiel

Intercessory Prayer: Hezekiah

Intercessory Prayer: Isaiah

Intercessory Prayer: Moses

Intercessory Prayer: Nehemiah

Intercessory Prayer: Paul

Intercessory Prayer: Peter and John

Intercessory Prayer: Philemon

Intercessory Prayer: Samuel

Intercessory Prayer: Seek an Interest In

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: All in Authority

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: All Men

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: All Saints

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Children

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Enemies Among Whom we Dwell

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Fellow-Countrymen

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Friends

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Kings

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Masters

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Ministers

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Persecutors

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Servants

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: The Church

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: The Sick

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Those Who Envy Us

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Those Who Forsake Us

Intercessory Prayer: should be offered up For: Those Who Murmur Against God

Intercessory Prayer: Sin of Neglecting

Intercessory Prayer: Solomon

Intercessory Prayer: Stephen

Intercessory Prayer: Unavailing for the Obstinately-Impenitent

Prayer

Prayer and Fasting

Prayer by Abraham

Prayer by Abraham's Servant

Prayer by Cornelius

Prayer by Jacob

Prayer by Moses, Supplicating for Assistance in Delivering Israel

Prayer for Healing

Prayer for Mercy and Grace to Help in Time of Need

Prayer for Spiritual Blessings

Prayer for Temporal Blessings

Prayer for the Comforter (The Holy Spirit) to Come

Prayer in a Loud Voice, Satirized by Elijah

Prayer in Behalf of Peter

Prayer in Distress

Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane

Prayer in the Wilderness

Prayer is Described as Beseeching the Lord

Prayer is Described as Bowing the Knees

Prayer is Described as Calling Upon the Name of the Lord

Prayer is Described as Crying to God

Prayer is Described as Crying to Heaven

Prayer is Described as Drawing Near to God

Prayer is Described as Lifting up the Heart

Prayer is Described as Lifting up the Soul

Prayer is Described as Looking Up

Prayer is Described as Making Supplication

Prayer is Described as Pouring out the Heart

Prayer is Described as Pouring out the Soul

Prayer is Described as Seeking the Face of the Lord

Prayer is Described as Seeking to God

Prayer of Balaam

Prayer of David

Prayer of Habakkuk

Prayer of Job

Prayer of Joseph

Prayer of Joshua

Prayer of Manasses

Prayer of Moses, at the Red Sea

Prayer of Pharisees

Prayer of Scribes

Prayer of the Apostles

Prayer of the Israelites, when Attacked by the Amorites

Prayer of the Righteous, Avails Much

Prayer of the Tax Collector

Prayer of the Upright, a Delight to God

Prayer without Ceasing

Prayer:

Prayer: "The Lord's Prayer"

Prayer: Acceptable Through Christ

Prayer: Accompanied With: Confession

Prayer: Accompanied With: Fasting

Prayer: Accompanied With: Praise

Prayer: Accompanied With: Repentance

Prayer: Accompanied With: Self-Abasement

Prayer: Accompanied With: Thanksgiving

Prayer: Accompanied With: Watchfulness

Prayer: Accompanied With: Weeping

Prayer: After the Supper

Prayer: All Night

Prayer: An Evidence of Conversion

Prayer: Anna

Prayer: Answer To, Delayed

Prayer: Answer To, Promise

Prayer: Answered

Prayer: Answered for Abimelech

Prayer: Answered for God's Favor Under the Reproofs of Azariah

Prayer: Answered for Ishmael

Prayer: Answered for Sodom

Prayer: Answered: Abijah, for Victory Over Jeroboam

Prayer: Answered: Abraham, for a Son

Prayer: Answered: Abraham's Servant, for Guidance

Prayer: Answered: Ammon

Prayer: Answered: Asa, for Victory Over Zerah

Prayer: Answered: Cain

Prayer: Answered: Centurion, for his Servant

Prayer: Answered: Daniel, for the Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzars Dream

Prayer: Answered: Daniel, in a Vision

Prayer: Answered: Daniel, Interceding for the People

Prayer: Answered: David, Asking About Ziklag

Prayer: Answered: David, Asking Whether he should Go Into Judah After Saul's Death

Prayer: Answered: David, Asking Whether he should Go to War Against the Philistines

Prayer: Answered: David, Asking Whether Keilah Would be Delivered Into his Hands

Prayer: Answered: David, in Adversity

Prayer: Answered: Elijah, Asking for Rain

Prayer: Answered: Elijah, Calling for Fire to Come Down Upon his Sacrifice

Prayer: Answered: Elijah, Raising the Widow's Son

Prayer: Answered: Elisha, Leading the Syrian Army

Prayer: Answered: Ezekiel, to Have the Baking of his Bread of Affliction Changed

Prayer: Answered: from Babylonian Bondage

Prayer: Answered: from Bondage

Prayer: Answered: from Pharaoh's Army

Prayer: Answered: from the King of Mesopotamia

Prayer: Answered: Gideon, Asking for the Token of Dew

Prayer: Answered: Hagar, for Deliverance

Prayer: Answered: Hannah, Asking to Give Birth to a Child

Prayer: Answered: Hezekiah and Isaiah, for Deliverance from Sennacherib

Prayer: Answered: Jabez, Asking for Prosperity

Prayer: Answered: Jacob, for Deliverance from Esau

Prayer: Answered: Jehoahaz, for Victory Over Hazael

Prayer: Answered: Jehoshaphat, for Victory Over the Canaanites

Prayer: Answered: Manasseh, for Deliverance from the King of Babylon

Prayer: Answered: Manoah, Asking About Samson

Prayer: Answered: Moses, Aaron, and Samuel

Prayer: Answered: Moses, at Mount Horeb

Prayer: Answered: Moses, at the Waters of Marah

Prayer: Answered: Moses, Concerning the Complaint of the Israelites for Meat

Prayer: Answered: Moses, for Help at the Red Sea

Prayer: Answered: Moses, in the Battle With the Amalekites

Prayer: Answered: Moses, on Behalf of Miriam's Leprosy

Prayer: Answered: Paul, to be Restored to Health

Prayer: Answered: Peter, Asking T

Related Terms

Kneeled (12 Occurrences)

Confessed (19 Occurrences)

Knelt (20 Occurrences)

Hannah (13 Occurrences)

Agony (20 Occurrences)

Possible (133 Occurrences)

Amoz (14 Occurrences)

Acknowledge (61 Occurrences)

Praying (71 Occurrences)

Beyond (209 Occurrences)

Hezeki'ah (120 Occurrences)

Kneeling (12 Occurrences)

Using (88 Occurrences)

Leaving (80 Occurrences)

Withdrew (55 Occurrences)

Fervently (7 Occurrences)

Farther (33 Occurrences)

Fasted (20 Occurrences)

Tabitha (2 Occurrences)

Repeatedly (28 Occurrences)

Distance (75 Occurrences)

Constantly (47 Occurrences)

Sennach'erib (13 Occurrences)

Short (128 Occurrences)

O (1414 Occurrences)

Boldly (26 Occurrences)

Builded (65 Occurrences)

Prayers (99 Occurrences)

Face (780 Occurrences)

Placed (297 Occurrences)

Attitudes (1 Occurrence)

Ship (122 Occurrences)

Restrained (51 Occurrences)

Proceeded (72 Occurrences)

Ground (538 Occurrences)

Ezra (28 Occurrences)

Rain (118 Occurrences)

Earnestly (78 Occurrences)

Forward (252 Occurrences)

Whereas (55 Occurrences)

Eli'sha (52 Occurrences)

Pass (1172 Occurrences)

Wept (78 Occurrences)

Fasting (34 Occurrences)

Fell (331 Occurrences)

Cup (86 Occurrences)

Sennacherib (13 Occurrences)

Nehemiah (9 Occurrences)

Confession (22 Occurrences)

Stood (491 Occurrences)

Desire (565 Occurrences)

Ghost (123 Occurrences)

Desert (322 Occurrences)

Samson (37 Occurrences)

Prayer (406 Occurrences)

Jonah (30 Occurrences)

Departed (270 Occurrences)

Laid (552 Occurrences)

Wherever (107 Occurrences)

Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)

Hezekiah (124 Occurrences)

Chosen (197 Occurrences)

Yielded (28 Occurrences)

Quite (55 Occurrences)

Quenched (22 Occurrences)

Vote (3 Occurrences)

Visited (40 Occurrences)

Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)

Kingdoms (65 Occurrences)

Keepest (16 Occurrences)

Knower (1 Occurrence)

Nevertheless (153 Occurrences)

Ninth (35 Occurrences)

Nerijah (8 Occurrences)

Needy (83 Occurrences)

Neriah (10 Occurrences)

Unjust (44 Occurrences)

Upstairs (8 Occurrences)

Prayer of Pharisees
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