Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who are Poor and Needy

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The Bible consistently emphasizes God's compassion and responsiveness to the prayers of the poor and needy. Throughout Scripture, there are numerous instances where God hears and answers the cries of those who are marginalized, oppressed, or in desperate circumstances. This theme underscores the divine attribute of justice and mercy, highlighting God's special concern for the vulnerable.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, God's attentiveness to the poor and needy is a recurring theme. Psalm 34:6 declares, "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles." This verse illustrates the direct relationship between the cry of the needy and God's deliverance. Similarly, Psalm 72:12-13 speaks of the ideal king, a foreshadowing of the Messiah, who "will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed."

The book of Isaiah also reflects this divine concern. Isaiah 41:17 states, "The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them." Here, God promises to respond to the physical and spiritual needs of the impoverished, affirming His role as a provider and protector.

New Testament Affirmations

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's compassion for the poor and needy. His ministry is marked by acts of healing, provision, and teaching that uplift the downtrodden. In the Beatitudes, Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This statement not only promises spiritual blessings but also assures the poor of God's attentive care.

The parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 further illustrates the power of persistent prayer, especially for those in dire circumstances. The widow's relentless plea for justice is ultimately granted, symbolizing God's readiness to respond to the cries of the oppressed.

Theological Implications

The biblical narrative reveals that God is not indifferent to the plight of the poor and needy. Instead, He is portrayed as a just and merciful deity who actively intervenes in response to their prayers. This divine responsiveness is rooted in God's character, as described in Psalm 68:5 : "A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation."

Moreover, the Bible calls believers to emulate God's concern for the poor. Proverbs 21:13 warns, "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer." This verse serves as a reminder that God's people are to reflect His compassion and justice in their own lives.

Practical Applications

For believers, the biblical teaching on God's responsiveness to the prayers of the poor and needy encourages a life of faith and dependence on God. It also challenges the church to be an instrument of God's mercy, advocating for and assisting those in need. James 1:27 encapsulates this call to action: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

In summary, the Bible presents a consistent message that God hears and answers the prayers of the poor and needy. This divine attentiveness is a testament to His justice, mercy, and love, offering hope and assurance to those who find themselves in desperate circumstances.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 41:17
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue fails for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows
... time, using the same words.' As long as we have not consciously received the blessing ...
The final lesson is, Leave God to settle how He answers your prayer. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a sheaf of prayer arrows.htm

A Poor Man's Cry, and what came of It
... In the name of Jesus I have asked and received; save only when I have asked amiss. ...
Still I will try it. You that have had answers to prayer say, "Ay (The ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a poor mans cry and.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... You shall get your answers to prayer when you multiply ... sent you thanks for it before
she received your gift ... prodigal returned, and he began his prayer by saying ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Robbie Goodman's Prayer
Touching Incidents and Remarkable Answers to Prayer. ... he said, "The Lord will answer
Robbie's prayer, won't ... A few days afterward Robert Goodman received a large ...
/.../touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/robbie goodmans prayer.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

1877-1879. "They Helped Every one his Neighbour" --Miss Child, a ...
... Deeply interesting were their testimonies of answers to prayer, the ... work was begun,
one which has eminently received the blessing ... "We need much prayer for this ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vii 1877-1879 they helped.htm

Sown among Thorns
... So much then about the seed: it was good seed, it was sown, it was received by the
soil, it grew and ... We related instances of answers to prayer, and we spoke ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/sown among thorns.htm

Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work.
... ago, made that promise, L166 18s., as he this day received the money ... may need under
any circumstances, and that these many answers to prayer may encourage ...
/.../muller/answers to prayer/chapter i beginning and early.htm

Miracles of Healing Solicited by the Sufferers.
... that in the fact of the many crowding about him, concerning whom we have no testimony
of influence received, there lies ... Hence the answers to prayer must not ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/v miracles of healing solicited.htm

Our God of the Impossible
... I simply could not get away from those words. ... Three days after I got out of quarantine
I received a letter from Mr. Horace Goven ... Yes, I know God answers prayer. ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/viii our god of the.htm