Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the theme of God's attentiveness to the prayers of the poor is a profound testament to His compassion and justice. The Scriptures consistently affirm that God does not overlook the cries of the impoverished and downtrodden, but rather, He is attentive and responsive to their supplications.The Psalms frequently highlight this divine attribute. Psalm 69:33 declares, "For the LORD listens to the needy and does not despise His captive people." This verse underscores the assurance that God is not indifferent to the plight of the poor; instead, He is actively listening and ready to deliver them from their afflictions. Similarly, Psalm 34:6 states, "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles." Here, the psalmist personalizes the experience of divine intervention, illustrating that God’s response to the prayers of the poor is not merely theoretical but a lived reality. The prophetic literature also echoes this theme. In Isaiah 41:17 , God promises, "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." This passage reassures the faithful that God is committed to providing for the needs of the poor, affirming His role as a sustainer and protector. The New Testament continues this emphasis on God's care for the poor. In the teachings of Jesus, there is a clear message that God values and hears the prayers of the humble and lowly. In the Beatitudes, Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This pronouncement not only highlights the spiritual richness of the poor but also assures them of their place in God's kingdom. Moreover, the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 illustrates the power of persistent prayer, especially from those who are marginalized. Jesus uses this parable to teach that God will "bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night" (Luke 18:7), reinforcing the idea that God is just and responsive to the pleas of the oppressed. Throughout Scripture, the consistent message is that God does not despise the prayer of the poor. Instead, He is portrayed as a loving Father who is deeply concerned with their welfare, ready to listen and act on their behalf. This divine attentiveness serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to reflect God's compassion and justice in their own lives, particularly towards those in need. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 102:17He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Continues the Same Subject: Explains the Prayer of Union by a ... On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xvii. 3, "If Thy Brother Sin ... To Monna Alessa when the Saint was at Florence The Fire of Love The Cry for Bread Mother's Love Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Chapter iv. Thou Shalt not Steal. The Sons of God Resources What does the Bible say about being homeless / homelessness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about having a poor or healthy body image? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian Socialism? | GotQuestions.org Poor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Poor: Atonement Money of, Uniform With That of the Rich People Poor: Inexpensive offerings of People Who Have Very Little Money Poor: Kindness to Congregations Poor: Kindness to Congregations of Macedonia and Achaia Poor: Kindness to Prophet's Widow Poor: Kindness to The Congregation at Antioch (In Syria) Poor: Kindness to The Good Samaritan Poor: Kindness to The Temanites Poor: Kindness to To the Widow of Zarephath Poor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Poor are Such by God's Appointment The Poor by Mocking, God is Reproached The Poor by Oppressing, God is Reproached The Poor: A Care For is a Fruit of Repentance The Poor: A Care For is Characteristic of Saints The Poor: A Care For: should be Urged The Poor: Care For-Illustrated The Poor: Christ Lived As One of The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Bad Company The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Drunkenness and Gluttony The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Sloth The Poor: Give to not Grudgingly The Poor: Give to Specially If Saints The Poor: Give To without Ostentation The Poor: God is the Refuge of The Poor: God: Despises No the Prayer of The Poor: God: Maintains the Right of The Poor: God: Regards Equally With the Rich The Poor: Harden not the Heart Against The Poor: May Be: Rich in Faith The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Neglect of Christ The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Proof of Unbelief The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: Inconsistent With Love to God The Poor: Offerings of, Acceptable to God The Poor: Oppression of-Illustrated The Poor: Punishment For: Acting Unjustly Towards The Poor: Punishment For: Oppressing The Poor: Punishment For: Refusing to Assist The Poor: Punishment For: Spoiling The Poor: Regard For: Church at Antioch The Poor: Regard For: Churches of Macedonia and Achaia The Poor: Regard For: Cornelius The Poor: Regard For: Nebuzaradan The Poor: Regard For: Peter and John The Poor: Regard For: Zacchaeus The Poor: Rule Not, With Vigour The Poor: Shall Never Cease out of the Land The Poor: should Commit Themselves to God The Poor: should Provided for Under the Law The Poor: should Rejoice in God The Poor: should when Converted, Rejoice in Their Exaltation The Poor: Shut not the Hand Against The Poor: The Wicked: Care not For The Poor: The Wicked: Despise the Counsel of The Poor: The Wicked: Grind the Faces of The Poor: The Wicked: Persecute The Poor: The Wicked: Regard not the Cause of The Poor: The Wicked: Tread Down The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Blessed The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Happy The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have Promises The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have the Favour of God The Poor: Wrong not in Judgment Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |