Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Granted: Beyond Expectation

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In the biblical narrative, there are numerous instances where God answers prayers in ways that exceed human expectations. These accounts serve as powerful testimonies of God's ability to provide abundantly and demonstrate His sovereignty and grace.

1. Solomon's Request for Wisdom

One of the most notable examples is found in the life of King Solomon. When Solomon became king, he prayed for wisdom to govern the people of Israel effectively. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." God not only granted Solomon wisdom but also blessed him with riches and honor beyond what he had requested. As recorded in 1 Kings 3:12-13 , God said, "Behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has never been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during your lifetime you will have no equal among kings."

2. Hannah's Prayer for a Child

Hannah's account is another profound example. In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed earnestly for a child, vowing to dedicate him to the Lord's service. Her prayer is recorded in 1 Samuel 1:11, where she says, "O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life." God answered her prayer by giving her a son, Samuel, who would become a great prophet. Beyond her initial request, God blessed Hannah with additional children, as noted in 1 Samuel 2:21 : "And the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD."

3. The Feeding of the Five Thousand

In the New Testament, the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand illustrates how Jesus answers needs beyond expectation. Faced with a large crowd and limited resources, the disciples were concerned about how to feed everyone. Jesus took five loaves and two fish, gave thanks, and distributed them to the people. John 6:11-13 recounts, "Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were seated, as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When everyone was full, He said to His disciples, 'Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.' So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten." The provision was not only sufficient but abundant, with leftovers far exceeding the original amount.

4. Peter's Release from Prison

The early church experienced an answer to prayer beyond expectation when Peter was miraculously released from prison. In Acts 12, Peter was imprisoned by King Herod, and the church fervently prayed for his release. Acts 12:5 states, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him." In response, an angel of the Lord appeared, freed Peter from his chains, and led him out of the prison. The believers were astonished when Peter appeared at the door, as recorded in Acts 12:14-16 : "When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, 'Peter is at the door!' 'You are out of your mind,' they told her. But when she kept insisting it was so, they said, 'It is his angel.' But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded."

These accounts highlight the biblical theme that God is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). They encourage believers to trust in God's provision and to approach Him with faith, knowing that His answers to prayer can surpass human expectations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you know not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Delays of Love
... delay makes the deliverance the more signal and joyous when it is granted. ... these
are the right kind of things to say in a prayer. Such prayers get no answers. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the delays of love.htm

Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ...
... so be deprived of that pardon which is granted us from ... God, "Where is Abel thy brother?"
he answers, "I know ... is now time to conclude this address in a prayer. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xii thanksgiving to god.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... Exception. Answers. 22. Monstrous errors resulting from this fiction. ... In short,
it is faith which obtains every thing that is granted to prayer. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... They reach beyond time and peep into eternity ... saith, 'The desire of the righteous
shall be granted,' saith also ... saying, 'O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer,' &c ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

The Omnipotence of Faith
... Our Lord answers that appeal in the words of our text. ... a true participation in His
greatness is granted to us ... good people as to the province of prayer in regard ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the omnipotence of faith.htm

1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ...
God's Answers. ... what a power and privilege is granted to us women, in that we are ... singing
of some sweet hymns and several heart-breathings of prayer, we spoke of ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter iii 1870-1871 workers meetings.htm

The Baptism with the Holy Spirit.
... go afterwards to the one who offered the prayer and put ... 1 Peter 1:23 answers the
question, "Being born again ... to the new power that God has granted them through ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xx the baptism with.htm

The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
... which they occasioned, and her prayer was granted at the ... been said to her during
her prayer: 'Take notice ... was obliged to speak and give answers concerning all ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/the life of anne catherine.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... Newman Hall, minister of Surrey Chapel, London, gives the following instances of
answers to prayer ... In His great mercy, He granted the prayer, the dangerous ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

Perseverance Proved.
... that his Father always hears, that is, answers his prayers ... of you, 4. (Always in
every prayer of mine ... to take the perseverance of the saints for granted, or to ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlix perseverance proved.htm