Topical Bible: Waiting: Saints Plead, in Prayer

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In the life of a believer, waiting is often intertwined with the practice of prayer. The saints of the Bible frequently found themselves in situations where they had to wait upon the Lord, pleading earnestly in prayer for His intervention, guidance, or deliverance. This act of waiting is not passive but is characterized by a deep, active faith and trust in God's timing and sovereignty.

Biblical Examples of Waiting in Prayer

1. Hannah's Plea for a Child: One of the most poignant examples of waiting in prayer is found in the account of Hannah. Deeply distressed by her barrenness, Hannah poured out her soul before the Lord at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Her prayer was marked by fervent pleading and a vow to dedicate her child to God if He granted her request. "In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears" (1 Samuel 1:10). Her waiting was rewarded with the birth of Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord's service.

2. David's Cry for Deliverance: King David, a man after God's own heart, often found himself in dire situations where he had to wait on the Lord. In Psalm 40, David reflects on a time when he waited patiently for the Lord, who heard his cry and delivered him. "I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry" (Psalm 40:1). David's life exemplifies a pattern of seeking God earnestly in prayer while waiting for His deliverance.

3. The Early Church's Expectation: After Jesus' ascension, the early church gathered in the upper room, devoting themselves to prayer as they awaited the promised Holy Spirit. "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers" (Acts 1:14). This period of waiting was marked by unity and fervent prayer, culminating in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Theological Insights on Waiting in Prayer

Waiting in prayer is a profound expression of faith and dependence on God. It acknowledges human limitations and God's omnipotence, trusting that His plans and timing are perfect. The act of waiting refines the believer's character, teaching patience, perseverance, and humility. It is during these times that the saints learn to align their desires with God's will, often finding that the process of waiting itself is transformative.

Encouragement for Believers

Scripture encourages believers to wait on the Lord with hope and confidence. Isaiah 40:31 promises, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint." This assurance is a reminder that God honors the prayers of His people and that waiting is never in vain when it is rooted in faith.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer" (Romans 12:12). This triad of virtues—hope, patience, and persistence—captures the essence of waiting in prayer, encouraging believers to remain steadfast as they seek God's face.

Conclusion

The practice of waiting in prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian life, exemplified by the saints throughout Scripture. It is a dynamic process that involves earnest pleading, unwavering faith, and a deep trust in God's perfect timing. As believers wait upon the Lord, they are invited into a deeper relationship with Him, experiencing His faithfulness and grace in profound ways.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 25:21
Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on you.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 33:2
O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for you: be you their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... is in the very nature of prayer to plead and give ... Old Testament praying to stir up
New Testament saints to imitate ... world, are in the attitude of waiting on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... Let us adore him when he keeps us waiting at his ... willed such a thing, and he makes
his saints to will ... You will be encouraged to plead with the Lord because you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints." God's commandments ... There is another step
and stage, waiting to be ... To plead for a religious faith which tolerates sinning ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. ... and add still more, "Sir,
I intend waiting upon you ... Go and plead the promise; plead the blood, and ask ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm

Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People
... to the Father, therefore does the Savior plead for us ... great sinners who have afterwards
become great saints, and you ... you are a waiter, go on with your waiting. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/christs pastoral prayer for his.htm

"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ...
... and necessity of importunity are taught by Old Testament saints. ... this principle of
Old Testament pleading and waiting. ... is to prosper, Samuel must plead for it. ...
/.../bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vi nothing is impossible.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... the prayers of all saints that are waiting without at ... he came to make intercession
for the saints before the ... or frontlet of gold, and can always plead it with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... to "distribute to the necessities of the saints." Because we ... in his name, for the
blood's sake, I plead with thee ... with Peter pray there, and if waiting at table ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

The Morning Watch in the Life of Obedience.
... them, was with all the Old Testament saints the secret ... there then would be to urge
and plead with God's ... light and power streams in on your waiting heart, and ...
/.../murray/the school of obedience/iv the morning watch in.htm

Some General Uses from this Useful Truth, that Christ is the Truth ...
... Christ, who declare this truth, and the saints who believe ... of those that did sometime
own it, and plead for it ... 5. Withal, there should be a waiting on him with ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xii some general uses.htm