Topical Bible: The Gifts of God: Temporal: Pray For

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In the Christian faith, believers are encouraged to seek God's provision for their temporal needs through prayer. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of praying for God's gifts in our daily lives. These temporal gifts include necessities such as food, shelter, health, and other material blessings that sustain us in our earthly journey.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of praying for temporal needs is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs His followers to pray for their daily sustenance: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). This petition underscores the dependence of believers on God for their everyday needs and acknowledges Him as the ultimate provider.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's provision. In his letter to the Philippians, he writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). This passage encourages believers to bring all their concerns, including temporal needs, before God with a heart of gratitude and trust.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where individuals and communities prayed for God's temporal gifts and received His provision. In the Old Testament, the Israelites cried out to God for food and water during their journey through the wilderness, and God provided manna and quail (Exodus 16:4-15) as well as water from a rock (Exodus 17:6).

In the New Testament, Jesus performed miracles that met the temporal needs of the people. The feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) and the four thousand (Matthew 15:32-39) are prime examples of how Jesus provided for the physical hunger of the crowds, demonstrating God's compassion and care for human needs.

Theological Implications

Praying for temporal gifts is an expression of faith and reliance on God's sovereignty. It acknowledges that all good things come from Him and that He is attentive to the needs of His children. James 1:17 affirms this truth: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow."

Moreover, praying for temporal needs aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship. Believers are called to be responsible caretakers of the resources God provides, using them wisely and for His glory. By seeking God's provision through prayer, Christians demonstrate their commitment to living according to His will and purpose.

Practical Application

In practical terms, praying for temporal gifts involves a balance between trust in God's provision and active participation in His work. Believers are encouraged to work diligently and responsibly, while also recognizing that their efforts are ultimately dependent on God's blessing. Proverbs 16:3 advises, "Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be achieved."

Furthermore, praying for temporal needs should be accompanied by a spirit of contentment and gratitude. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this attitude in Philippians 4:11-12 , where he writes, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need."

In summary, the Bible encourages believers to pray for God's temporal gifts, trusting in His provision and expressing gratitude for His blessings. Through prayer, Christians acknowledge their dependence on God and align their lives with His divine purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 10:1
Ask you of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Temporal Advantages.
... account of their spiritual peril, when they were no longer encompassed by temporal
trials ... It may be asked, "Are not these dangerous things the gifts of God? ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

How to Pray
... If we pray for temporal blessings, and then fold our hands, and sit with our mouths
open for them to ... Nor is it true about God's lower gifts, which are ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/how to pray.htm

For Temporal and Eternal Welfare.
... FOR TEMPORAL AND ETERNAL WELFARE ... O God, my Father ... All things are mine when I have
Thee, Thou void of gifts canst never be; A thousand ways Thou knowest On earth ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/for temporal and eternal welfare.htm

The Disciple, -- Sometimes this Question is Asked, "Since God is ...
... Whether our necessities be temporal or spiritual, can we by ... To evildoers, God, out
of love for them, gives what is ... But on those who believe gifts of both kinds ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 3.htm

First Lesson. Lord, Teach us to Pray;'
... The promises are for us, the powers and gifts of the ... It is true we have God's Word,
with its clear and sure ... In temporal things we are still less able to avail ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/first lesson lord teach us.htm

The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts
... and the oil, and the silver, and the gold, and whatever temporal blessings we ... deeds
of darkness, hate the light, and refuse to acknowledge the gifts of God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the unknown giver and the.htm

How Jesus Christ, the Blessed One, at the Prayer of St Francis ...
... us in his service; in the meantime we will pray God to put this ... of that courteous
nobleman, as I hope in God that, amongst his temporal gifts, he will ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xxxvii how jesus christ.htm

Psalm XXXVI.
... All these are good, and they are God's gifts.... ... understood what mercy he should
pray for from God. ... Saints, is Heavenly, not earthly; is Eternal, not temporal. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxvi.htm

Lord, Teach us to Pray or the Only Teacher.
... The promises are for us, the powers and gifts of the ... It is true we have God's Word,
with its clear and sure ... In temporal things we are still less able to avail ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/lord teach us to pray/lord teach us to pray.htm

Of the Five Kinds of Men who Shall Appear at the Judgment
... Christians; for, since they received fewer gifts of God ... And then all mortal life,
and all temporal sorrows, both ... The first coming, when God became man and lived ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter x of the five.htm