Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Granted: Through the Grace of God

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of prayer and its answers is a central theme in the Christian faith, deeply rooted in the understanding of God's grace. The grace of God is often seen as the unmerited favor that He bestows upon humanity, and it is through this grace that prayers are answered. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how God's grace is instrumental in granting answers to prayer.

Biblical Foundations

1. Grace as the Basis for Answered Prayer: The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently emphasizes the role of grace in the life of a believer. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts the Lord's response to his prayer for relief from a "thorn in the flesh": "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'" This passage highlights that God's grace is not only sufficient but also the means through which His power is manifested, even when the specific request is not granted as expected.

2. The Role of Faith and Grace: Ephesians 2:8 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God." While this verse primarily addresses salvation, it also underscores the principle that grace, accessed through faith, is foundational to the believer's relationship with God, including the realm of prayer.

3. Examples of Answered Prayers Through Grace:
· Hannah's Prayer for a Child: In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah's fervent prayer for a son is answered by God, who grants her request through His grace. Her account exemplifies how earnest prayer, coupled with faith, can lead to divine intervention.
· Solomon's Request for Wisdom: In 1 Kings 3:5-14, Solomon's prayer for wisdom is granted by God, who not only provides what Solomon asked for but also blesses him with riches and honor. This narrative illustrates how God's grace often exceeds human expectations.

4. Jesus' Teachings on Prayer and Grace: In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the nature of prayer and the Father's willingness to give good gifts to His children. In Matthew 7:11 , Jesus says, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" This teaching reflects the grace of God as a loving Father who delights in answering the prayers of His children.

5. The Intercessory Role of Christ: Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Through Christ's intercession, believers have access to God's grace, which is pivotal in receiving answers to prayer.

Theological Implications

The granting of answers to prayer through the grace of God underscores several key theological principles:

· Dependence on Divine Grace: Believers are reminded of their dependence on God's grace for every aspect of their spiritual lives, including the answering of prayers. This dependence fosters humility and gratitude.

· God's Sovereignty and Wisdom: While God's grace is abundant, His answers to prayer are also governed by His sovereign will and wisdom. Believers are called to trust in God's perfect plan, even when His answers differ from their requests.

· Encouragement to Pray Boldly: Understanding that God's grace is the foundation for answered prayer encourages believers to pray with boldness and confidence, knowing that their prayers are heard by a gracious and loving God.

In summary, the grace of God is a vital element in the granting of answers to prayer, as evidenced throughout Scripture. It is through His grace that believers can approach God with their petitions, trusting in His love and provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 30:19
For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: you shall weep no more: he will be very gracious to you at the voice of your cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Mediator's Threefold Prayer
... Thus God ever answers the true hearts that seek to know ... of His mercy, whether in
granting Moses' prayer or in ... lay all the emphasis on what is granted, and to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the mediators threefold prayer.htm

"Because of his Importunity. "
Answers to Prayer. ... to our prayers, even to thousands and tens of thousands of prayers,
is granted; yea, though ... DIFFICULTIES REMOVED AFTER PRAYER AND PATIENCE. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/because of his importunity.htm

George Muller, and the Secret of His
... though in the meantime I have received many thousands of answers to prayer. ... three
or two years; and still the answer is not yet granted concerning those ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/george muller and the secret.htm

Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work.
... Lord would send children; for I naturally took it for granted that there ... not only
to make every thing a subject of prayer, but to expect answers to their ...
/.../muller/answers to prayer/chapter i beginning and early.htm

The Word of Jesus on Prayer.
... know that there is a God that answers prayer, that I ... for what was not good, the prayer
should be granted. ... fixed that they could not be altered to his prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the word of jesus on.htm

The Properties of Sanctifying Grace
... and perseverance in doing good; love of prayer and pious ... Thomas answers this objection
as follows: "The natural ... 1200) and the "fulness of grace" granted to His ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the properties of.htm

God's Sovereignty and Prayer
... we must do in order to get our requests granted; and God's claims ... Not only does prayer
call love into action but through the direct answers vouchsafed to ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter nine gods sovereignty and.htm

The Fulton St. Prayer Meeting.
... I think God in his goodness would have granted full restoration to health, as I
was so anxious to work for Him ... GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS BELIEVING PRAYER. ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the fulton st prayer meeting.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... truly converted man knows from this experience that God answers prayer. ... useful by
being denied than by being granted. ... In everything, by prayer and supplication ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

The Prayer of Faith.
... Why, that God will grant answers to prayer when it ... they might have prevailed with
God in prayer and saved ... only prayed in faith, God would have granted it; but ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm