Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of humility as a prerequisite for receiving answers to prayer is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Humility, in the biblical sense, involves recognizing one's own limitations and dependence on God, acknowledging His sovereignty, and submitting to His will. This attitude is consistently portrayed in Scripture as essential for effective prayer.
Biblical Examples and Teachings1.
Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom: In
1 Kings 3:7-9, Solomon exemplifies humility in his prayer for wisdom. Acknowledging his youth and inexperience, Solomon prays, "Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David. Yet I am but a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in." His humble request is met with God's generous response, granting him unparalleled wisdom and understanding.
2.
Jehoshaphat's Prayer for Deliverance: In
2 Chronicles 20:12, King Jehoshaphat faces a formidable enemy and humbly seeks God's help, saying, "O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." His humility and reliance on God lead to a miraculous victory.
3.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: Jesus illustrates the importance of humility in prayer through this parable in
Luke 18:9-14. The tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" Jesus concludes, "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
4.
James on Humility and Prayer:
James 4:6-10 emphasizes the necessity of humility in approaching God. "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." The passage underscores that humility is key to receiving God's grace and favor in prayer.
5.
Peter's Exhortation: In
1 Peter 5:6-7, believers are encouraged to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, "that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." This instruction links humility with the assurance of God's care and response to prayer.
Theological InsightsHumility in prayer is not merely an outward posture but an inward disposition of the heart. It involves a sincere acknowledgment of one's need for God and a willingness to submit to His will. This attitude aligns with the biblical principle that God honors those who approach Him with a contrite and humble spirit. The Scriptures consistently affirm that God is attentive to the prayers of the humble, as seen in
Psalm 34:18, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit."
Practical ApplicationBelievers are encouraged to cultivate humility in their prayer lives by:
· Acknowledging their dependence on God for wisdom, guidance, and provision.
· Confessing their sins and shortcomings, seeking God's mercy and forgiveness.
· Submitting their desires and requests to God's will, trusting in His perfect plan.
· Approaching God with reverence and awe, recognizing His majesty and authority.
In summary, the biblical narrative and teachings affirm that humility is a vital component of effective prayer. Those who humble themselves before God can expect to receive His gracious response, as He delights in lifting up the humble and answering their prayers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Chronicles 7:14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Torrey's Topical TextbookPsalm 9:12
When he makes inquisition for blood, he remembers them: he forgets not the cry of the humble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Answers to Prayer
... himself repeatedly proved that the Lord hears and answers prayer! ... He had just received
five dollars for a piece ... other dollar; held a little prayer-meeting on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm
Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... up so many prayers without receiving answers?" The apostle ... of those persons whose
prayers have received the seal ... to live in the exercise of prevailing prayer. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm
1861-1869. Prayer of Hon. And Rev. Baptist Noel --Residence in ...
... at the same time, no way appeared open for her to be received anywhere. ... one whose
garret reminded one of the dream of Jacob; for answers to prayer were so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter i 1861-1869 prayer of.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
Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... Now, when your heart is loaded with praise for mercy received, let it run down the
incline, and draw up the ... You shall get your answers to prayer when you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm
Prayer Answered, Love Nourished
... to him when they have wants, but who neglect him when they have received a mercy ...
There is not a church in London, that has had such answers to prayer as we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/prayer answered love nourished.htm
The Prayer of Faith.
... He received the very thing for which he asked, as he says, "I knew thou always hearest
me.". ... Why, that God will grant answers to prayer when it is importunate ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm
How St Francis, Having Been Told by St Clare and the Holy Brother ...
... he asked of God was granted to his prayer, and very ... to St Francis to bring him these
answers; and St ... of others." Then St Francis, having received the answer ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xvi how st francis.htm
A Great Religious Awakening.
... indeed, which it seems to me answers the needs ... Many wrestled all night in prayer
for the assurance ... With unspeakable desire those who had received the message ...
/.../20 a great religious awakening.htm
A Great Religious Awakening
... indeed, which it seems to me answers the needs ... Many wrestled all night in prayer
for the assurance ... With unspeakable desire those who had received the message ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 20 a great religious.htm
Resources
Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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