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

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of receiving answers to prayer is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in one's relationship with God. The Scriptures affirm that God is attentive to the prayers of those who call upon Him in truth, highlighting the necessity of genuine faith and integrity in one's spiritual life.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the importance of calling upon God with a sincere heart. Psalm 145:18 states, "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." This verse emphasizes that God's proximity and responsiveness are contingent upon the truthfulness of the supplicant's heart. The notion of "truth" here implies authenticity, honesty, and alignment with God's will and character.

Characteristics of Truthful Prayer

1. Sincerity: True prayer is marked by a sincere heart. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocritical prayers, which were more about public display than genuine communication with God (Matthew 6:5-6). Instead, He taught that prayer should be a private, heartfelt conversation with the Father.

2. Faithfulness: Hebrews 11:6 declares, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is a crucial component of truthful prayer, as it reflects trust in God's character and promises.

3. Alignment with God's Will: 1 John 5:14 assures believers, "This is the confidence that we have in Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." Prayers offered in truth are those that seek alignment with God's will, demonstrating a desire for His purposes to be fulfilled.

4. Repentance and Humility: Truthful prayer involves a humble acknowledgment of one's sins and a genuine desire for repentance. Psalm 66:18-19 warns, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer." A contrite heart is essential for prayers to be heard.

Examples from Scripture

· Hannah's Prayer: In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah's heartfelt prayer for a child exemplifies calling upon God in truth. Her sincerity and vow to dedicate her son to the Lord resulted in the birth of Samuel, demonstrating God's faithfulness in answering genuine prayers.

· Daniel's Prayer: Daniel 9 records Daniel's prayer of confession and supplication for his people. His prayer, characterized by humility and alignment with God's promises, was answered with a revelation from the angel Gabriel.

· The Early Church: Acts 4:24-31 describes the early church's prayer for boldness in the face of persecution. Their unified and sincere prayer was answered with a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to speak God's word with boldness.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding believers to pray in truth. Romans 8:26-27 explains, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." The Spirit aids believers in aligning their prayers with God's will, ensuring they are offered in truth.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that God responds to those who call upon Him in truth. This requires a heart of sincerity, faith, alignment with God's will, and humility. Through the examples of faithful individuals and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are encouraged to approach God with genuine hearts, confident that He hears and answers their prayers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 145:18
The LORD is near to all them that call on him, to all that call on him in truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows
... words.' As long as we have not consciously received the blessing ... that he, touched
by the divine love, answers that love ... is too small to be made a prayer, it is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a sheaf of prayer arrows.htm

Answers to Prayer
... himself repeatedly proved that the Lord hears and answers prayer! ... after coming into
camp, I received a call ... to God's hearing and answering the prayer of faith. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

The Potency of Prayer Hath Subdued the Strength of Fire...
... of a child who has just received a kindness ... He answers me again and again, often
in words so ... and political excitement, he found comfort and strength in prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter iv the potency of.htm

Things Unknown
... of persons alive who have had as many answers to their ... all times to hold firmly all
the truth I have received. ... is a Churchman, till he has read the Prayer-book ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/things unknown.htm

Second Lesson. In Spirit and Truth. '
... In prayer everything will depend on our understanding well and ... He answers that
henceforth worship is no longer to ... the Father, and who have received the spirit ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/second lesson in spirit and.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... half so great as those which we have already received if we ... asked of God," they came
to you as answers to your ... if the Lord do not answer the prayer which we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... all, must still stand; for they have received their charge ... if you waver on that point,
your prayer will be ... continually plead with God till he answers you out ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a call to prayer and.htm

In Spirit and Truth;' or the True Worshippers.
... In prayer everything will depend on our understanding well and ... He answers that
henceforth worship is no longer to ... the Father, and who have received the spirit ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/lord teach us to pray/in spirit and truth or.htm

Internal Affective Prayer of Contemplation Hath Always Been ...
... way whereto seemed plain and easy; now he received a spiritual ... Baltazar Alvarez to
his General touching his prayer, as likewise of his answers to the ...
/.../chapter vii internal affective prayer.htm

The Book of the Cross
... The received revelation concerning God would warrant us in fashioning any theory
as to the richness of his inner ... So with answers to prayer"the God who is ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter vi the book of.htm