Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian faith, the concept of seeking God is deeply intertwined with the assurance of receiving answers to prayer. The Bible provides numerous instances and teachings that highlight the importance of earnestly seeking God as a prerequisite for receiving His guidance, blessings, and answers to prayer.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible consistently emphasizes that those who seek God with a sincere heart will find Him and receive His favor. In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah conveys God's promise to the Israelites: "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart" (
Jeremiah 29:13). This verse underscores the necessity of wholehearted devotion in the pursuit of God, suggesting that such earnest seeking is met with divine response.
Similarly, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call out to Him in truth" (
Psalm 145:18). This passage highlights the accessibility of God to those who genuinely seek Him, affirming that truthfulness and sincerity in prayer are key to receiving His answers.
New Testament TeachingsIn the New Testament, Jesus Himself assures believers of the efficacy of seeking God. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you" (
Matthew 7:7). This teaching not only encourages persistent prayer but also promises that those who actively seek God will indeed find Him and receive what they ask for, provided it aligns with His will.
The Apostle Paul further reinforces this principle in his letter to the Hebrews, stating, "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" (
Hebrews 11:6). Here, faith is presented as a crucial element in seeking God, with the assurance that God rewards those who diligently pursue Him.
Examples from ScriptureThe Bible is replete with examples of individuals who received answers to their prayers by seeking God. King David, known for his deep relationship with God, often sought divine guidance and intervention. In
1 Chronicles 16:11, he exhorts the people to "Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always" , reflecting his own practice of seeking God in times of need.
Another notable example is Daniel, whose commitment to seeking God through prayer is evident in his life. Despite the threat of persecution, Daniel continued to pray three times a day, seeking God's wisdom and intervention. His unwavering devotion resulted in God revealing the meaning of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, as recorded in
Daniel 2:19-23.
Practical ImplicationsFor believers today, the biblical principle of seeking God as a means to receive answers to prayer remains relevant. It involves a deliberate and continuous effort to draw near to God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. This pursuit is characterized by humility, faith, and a genuine desire to align one's will with God's purposes.
In summary, the Bible assures that those who earnestly seek God with a sincere heart and steadfast faith will receive answers to their prayers. This divine promise encourages believers to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God, trusting in His faithfulness to respond to their petitions.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 34:4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... All the mysteries and difficulties connected with answers to prayer will ... He does
indeed answer prayer. ... when ye pray, believe that ye have received," now as you ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm
The Fulton St. Prayer Meeting.
... "You received a letter yesterday. ... At the Fulton Street prayer-meeting a number of
remarkable cases were related of real answers to prayer for recovery to ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the fulton st prayer meeting.htm
Chapter Iii Precious Answers to Prayer
... PRECIOUS ANSWERS TO PRAYER. ... April 30 [1859]."Received the following ... this signal mercy
and blessing of God, and this full and precious answer to prayer, to the ...
/.../muller/answers to prayer/chapter iii precious answers to.htm
Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... up so many prayers without receiving answers?" The apostle ... of those persons whose
prayers have received the seal ... the personal exercise of the prayer of faith. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm
God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period.
... Then will be the time when God answers that prayer. ... crops, but His mercies have been
received without thanksgiving ... is the inspirer of all real prayer, has been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 gods dealings with the.htm
God Seeks Intercessors
... the first place, and that those who in it have received from heaven ... Give the people
definite objects for prayer. ... Teach them to expect and look out for answers. ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiv god seeks intercessors.htm
A Poor Man's Cry, and what came of It
... I am telling how Christ has received poor needy ... not touch our assurance that God
hears true prayer. The abounding answers to our supplications have been proofs ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a poor mans cry and.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
Struggles of Conscience
... A second method by which the Lord answers this prayer is ... and, believe me, I will
never pray that prayer again; for ... If you have not received it, I pray God the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/struggles of conscience.htm
Answers to Prayer
... childhood, had himself repeatedly proved that the Lord hears and answers prayer! ...
evening in July, after coming into camp, I received a call ... A PRAYER FOR A WIFE ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.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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