The concept of pleading for the glory of God in prayer is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where believers are encouraged to seek God's glory as the ultimate aim of their petitions. This entry explores the theological and scriptural basis for pleading in prayer for the glory of God, drawing from various passages in the Bible.

Biblical Foundation

The glory of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, representing His majesty, holiness, and the manifestation of His divine presence. In prayer, believers are called to align their requests with God's glory, seeking His will above their own desires. This is exemplified in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9-10). Here, the focus is on God's name being honored and His will being accomplished, reflecting a desire for His glory to be revealed.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the glory of God is often associated with His covenantal faithfulness and mighty acts. Moses, in his intercession for Israel, pleads for God's glory to be upheld. After the Israelites' sin with the golden calf, Moses appeals to God, saying, "But now, if You would only forgive their sin. But if not, please blot me out of the book You have written" (Exodus 32:32). Moses' plea is rooted in a desire for God's name to be honored among the nations, demonstrating a concern for His glory.

The Psalms frequently echo this theme, as the psalmists cry out for God's intervention for the sake of His name. Psalm 79:9 states, "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for Your name’s sake." Here, the plea for deliverance is intertwined with a desire for God's glory to be magnified.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the glory of God is revealed supremely in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul emphasizes that believers should do everything for the glory of God, including their prayers. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 , Paul writes, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This principle extends to prayer, where the ultimate aim is to seek God's glory in all things.

Jesus Himself models this in His high priestly prayer, where He prays, "I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do" (John 17:4). Jesus' prayer is centered on the glorification of the Father through His obedience and sacrificial work, setting an example for believers to follow.

Theological Implications

Pleading for the glory of God in prayer involves a recognition of God's sovereignty and a submission to His will. It requires believers to prioritize God's purposes over personal desires, trusting that His plans are ultimately for their good and His glory. This perspective transforms prayer from a mere list of requests to a profound act of worship and alignment with God's divine purposes.

Practical Application

In practical terms, believers are encouraged to examine their motives in prayer, ensuring that their petitions are aimed at glorifying God. This involves seeking His wisdom, guidance, and intervention in ways that reflect His character and advance His kingdom. By doing so, prayer becomes a means through which God's glory is revealed in the lives of His people and the world around them.

In summary, pleading for the glory of God in prayer is a biblical mandate that calls believers to seek His honor and renown above all else. Through aligning their prayers with God's glory, believers participate in His redemptive work and witness the manifestation of His divine presence in their lives and the world.Psalm 79:9
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for your name's sake.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
... would return to the divine presence and plead for them ... have been put on the is
prayer"Some consider ... expresseth his singular zeal for God's glory, and charity ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon vii moses prayer to.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... as you have shut your bowels of compassion and have refused to plead with God for
the ... them into our corner lest they should take any of our glory from us ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... the race of immortal beings that are here being prepared for glory and immortality ...
supply of an absolute want, and, as they cry to God and plead their case ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

Prayer.
... I can plead with God like poor Job of old, even though in wild words ... the very act
of prayer justifies God, and honours God, and gives glory to God; for it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon iv prayer.htm

The Privilege of Prayer
... a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine ... open
door of the sanctuary above, where the light of the glory of God shines in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 11 the privilege of.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... is my want of power, and lack of fervour in secret prayer, especially when attempting
to plead for the ... At one time we hear him exclaiming, "Glory to God! ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

Young Man! a Prayer for You
... of the seekers, will surely, also, open their eyes to behold his glory. ... this superfluity
of naughtiness, let us in agony of spirit plead with God at once ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/young man a prayer for.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... vain delights, and feed on the foreseen delights of glory? ... Though we remain unaffected
while we plead the case with ... yet, when we turn our speech to God, it may ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm

Order and Argument in Prayer
... are sure that what we ask for is for God's glory, then, if ... It is well in prayer to
plead with Jehovah his attributes ... did so when he laid hold upon God's justice ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/order and argument in prayer.htm

God's Glory in Hiding Sin
... Plead as David did, "For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity: for it is
great." Call your sin great as it really is ... It is the glory of God to cover ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/gods glory in hiding sin.htm

What is the Shekinah glory? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Christ in us is the hope of glory? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the heavens declare the glory of God? | GotQuestions.org

Glory: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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