The subject worked out for this month is—
The Prayers of Scripture, giving as far as possible a summary of their contents, and the answers granted wherever recorded.
Without anticipating the remarks to be made next month, we would just observe, that, in arranging the papers for the result, we have been struck with the comprehensiveness of the word Prayer as used in Scripture. We are often in the habit of limiting it (as in the subject proposed) to the expression of our needs, and the desire that they should be met, but it would seem to include the soul’s intercourse with God and the unburdening of the heart before Him. Might we not almost say, all that passes between our hearts and God that is not included in the word praise?
We have been obliged to make the summary of each separate prayer rather more brief than the example given in the July number, as the subject would otherwise have exceeded our limits.
Prayers in The Old Testament.
1.—Prayers answered.
Abraham prays that Ishmael may live before God, and he receives the assurance that his prayer is heard. Genesis 17:18-20.
Abraham prays that Sodom may not be destroyed if even ten righteous can be found there: his prayer is granted, but as there are not the ten to be found, the city is destroyed. Genesis 18:32-33.
Lot prays that Zoar may be spared, and his prayer is granted. Genesis 19:20-22.
Abraham prays for Abimelech and his house, and they are healed. Genesis 20:17.
Abraham’s servant prays that he may meet at the well the woman who is appointed as Isaac’s wife, and he meets Rebekah. Genesis 24:10-27. Isaac prays for Rebekah, and Esau and Jacob are born. Genesis 25:21. Jacob prays that he may find favor in the sight of Esau, and his prayer is granted. Genesis 32:11-12; 33:4.
Moses prays that the land of Egypt may be delivered from some of the plagues, and he is heard. Exodus 8:12,30; 9:33; 10:18.
Moses intercedes for the children of Israel when they had sinned in making the golden calf, and the anger of the Lord is turned away. Exodus 32:11-14; Deuteronomy 9:20.
Moses entreats that the presence of the Lord may go with the children o f Israel, and it is promised. Exodus 33:12-17; 34:9-11.
Moses desires to see the glory of the Lord; he is told that none can see His face, nevertheless the Lord passes by before him. Exodus 33:20; 34:5-7.
Moses prays that the fire of the Lord which consumed the people might be quenched, and he is heard. Numbers 11:1, 2.
Moses prays for Miriam, and she is healed. Numbers 12:13.
Moses intercedes for the people after they refuse to enter the land and they are pardoned, though excluded from the land. Numbers 14:17-20; Deuteronomy 9:26.
Moses prays for the people when they are bitten by fiery serpents, and he is told to raise up the serpent of brass for their healing. Numbers 21:7, 8.
Joshua prays that the sun and moon may stand still. Joshua 10:14.
Manoah prays that the angel of the Lord who had appeared to his wife may still further instruct them as to Samson, and the angel again appears. Judges 13:8,9.
Samson prays for water, and it is provided in a hollow in the jawbone with which he had slain the Philistines. Judges 15:18,19.
Samson prays that he may be strengthened so as to be avenged of his enemies, and he is enabled to pull down the house where they were assembled. Judges 16:28-31.
Hannah prays for a son, and Samuel is born to her. 1 Samuel 1:11-19.
Samuel prays when the Philistines are gathered against Israel, and a great deliverance is wrought. 1 Samuel 7:9
Samuel prays respecting the desire of the Israelites for a king, and he receives instructions concerning it. 1 Samuel 8:6-9.
David prays that the word of God concerning his house may be established, and it is fulfilled in Christ. 2 Samuel 7:25.
David prays that the counsel of Ahitophel may be turned to foolishness, and it is disregarded by Absalom. 2 Samuel 15:31; 17:14.
Solomon prays for an understanding heart to judge the people, and his prayer is granted. 1 Kings 3:9,28.
Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple. 1 Kings 8.
1St. That God would hear him, and that His name should be in the house. See 1 Kings 9:3.
2nd. That God would condemn the wicked, and justify the righteous. See Isaiah 3:10,11.
3rd. That if Israel were smitten before their enemies and repented or confessed their sins, they should be restored. See 2 Chronicles 33:11-13, Nehemiah 1:4-11. To be perfectly fulfilled hereafter, see Romans 11:26.
4th. That if there should be no rain because of the sins of the people, on their confession it should be sent. See 1 Kings 18:39-41.
5th. That if there should be famine, pestilence, or a foreign invasion, they should be relieved on confession. See 2 Kings 19; Isaiah 37
6th. That if a stranger should come and pray toward the temple, he should be heard. See Acts 8:27-40.
7th. That if the people went to battle, He would maintain their cause if they looked to Him. See 2 Chronicles 14:11; 20:20.
8th. That if they were carried away captive and confessed their sins, and returned to Him, He would cause their captors to be merciful to them-fulfilled in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah.
The man of God prays that Jeroboam’s hand may be restored, and he is heard. 1 Kings 13:6.
Elijah prays that there may be no rain, and there is none for three years. 1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17.
Again he prays, and there is rain. 1 Kings 18:42. James 5:18. Elijah prays that life may be restored to the dead son of the widow of Zarephath, and he is heard. 1 Kings 17:21,22.
Elijah prays that God will manifest Himself at the burnt sacrifice on Mt. Carmel, and it is consumed by fire from heaven. 1 Kings 18:36-39. Elisha prays that life may be restored to the dead son of the Shunamite, and he is heard. 2 Kings 4:33-35.
Elisha prays that the eyes of his servant may be opened to see the deliverance of God, and he is heard. 2 Kings 6:17-20.
Hezekiah prays that his life may be prolonged, and fifteen years are added to his days. 2 Kings 20:2-6; Isaiah 38
Jabez prays that God may be with him, and his request is granted. 1 Chronicles 4:10.
David prays for Solomon, and his request is heard, as regards at least the earlier days of his son. 1 Chronicles 29:19.
Asa prays for help when in battle with the Ethiopians, who are defeated.
2 Chronicles 14:12.
Ezra and his companions pray that a right way may be opened for their return to Jerusalem; they are delivered from those that lay in wait for them. Ezra 8:21-32.
Nehemiah and his companions pray for deliverance from those who oppose the rebuilding of the wall, and they are heard. Nehemiah 4; 6.
Nehemiah prays that God will remember him for all that he has done for the people. Is part of his reward the record given in the book bearing his name? Nehemiah 5:19;13. 14, &c.
Job prays for his three friends, and finds acceptance with God on their behalf. Job 42:8-10.
Isaiah prays for Israel, and is heard. Isaiah 63:15-chapter 65.
Jeremiah repeatedly prays for the men of Judah, see Chapter 14: 7-9, 20, 21; 15:15; 32:15-25, and in response he receives communications from God in reference to his prayer.
Daniel prays that the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream may be made known to him, and it is revealed in a night-vision. Daniel 2:18,19.
Daniel prays three times a day, notwithstanding the command forbidding prayer. Daniel 6:10.
Daniel prays earnestly on behalf of Jerusalem, with confession of the national sin, and in response, the future of the city is revealed to him. Daniel 9:16-chapter 10.
Amos prays for the house of Jacob, and the Lord repents of the evil he had determined. Chapter 7:2-6.
The men in whose ship Jonah was going to Tarshish pray that they may not perish on his account, and when they throw him overboard, the waves cease. Jonah 1:14-16.
Jonah prays while in the belly of the fish, and is heard, and delivered. Jonah 2
The Children of Israel cry to God many times when in distress or danger and they are delivered; but we are not told what was their prayer on those occasions. See Exodus 14:10-28; Judges 3:9; 4:3; 6:7; 10:10, &c.
Likewise, Moses cries to God, and is heard at Marah and Rephidim. Exodus 15:25; 17:4
Instances are given of those who inquired of the Lord, and received answers, but these scarcely come under our subject, e.g., David, 1 Samuel 23:2, 4, 10, 11, &c.
The people of Nineveh turned to God in repentance, and He spared the city. Jonah 3:5-10.
Habakkuk cries to God (chaps. 1 & 3.) and in the end he is able to “rejoice in the Lord.”
The angel of the Lord who communed with Zechariah cried for mercy on Judah and Jerusalem, and the Lord answered with good and comfortable words. Zechariah 1:12, 13.
2. —Prayers not answered.
Moses prays that he might enter the land, but is forbidden, because he did
not honor God at Kadesh. Deuteronomy 3:24-27; Numbers 20:12.
David prays for the life of his child, who, however, dies in token of the judgment of God. 2 Samuel 12:14-19.
Elijah prays that he may die, fearing Jezebel’s wrath, but he is encouraged by God, and is translated to heaven without passing through death. 1 Kings 19:4; 2 Kings 2:11.
Jonah prays that he may die, being displeased at the forbearance of God toward Nineveh, but God teaches him the justice of this by the lesson of the gourd. Chapter 4.
Prayers In The New Testament.
1.—Prayers answered.
The leper (Matthew 8:2), the centurion (8:8-13), the ruler (9:18-25), the two blind men (9:27-29), the Syrophoenician woman (15:22-28), Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-62), pray for temporal mercies, either for themselves or others, and they are heard.
Zacharias prays for a child, his prayer is heard, and John the Baptist is born. Luke 1:13.
The thief on the cross prays to be remembered, and the answer is, beyond his expectations. Luke 23:42, 43.
It is recorded many times (seven in the gospel of Luke) that our Lord prayed.
In John 17 we are permitted to read the outpouring of His heart to His Father.
(With reverence we read His “If it be possible let this cup pass from me,” and we behold Him drinking that cup to the dregs on Calvary. Matthew 26:39; 27:46.)
The Apostles pray that the lot may fall upon the one of their company who should fill Judas’s place, and Matthias is numbered with the eleven. Acts 1:24-26.
After being charged by the chief priests and elders not to speak any more in the name of Jesus, the Apostles pray that boldness may be given to speak God’s word. Acts 4:29, 31. In the following Chapter they continue preaching without fear.
Stephen prays “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Acts 7:60. May not the immediate conversion of Saul be an answer to this?
Peter and John prayed that the Samaritan believers might receive the Holy Ghost, and their prayer is granted. Acts 8:15-17.
Peter, after prayer, is able to call Tabitha to life. Acts 9:40.
Cornelius, who “prayed to God alway,” receives the assurance that his prayers are heard, and Peter is sent to lead him to the knowledge of salvation. Acts 10
Peter having been cast into prison by Herod, instant and earnest prayer (margin) is made by the Church on his behalf, and it is answered by his miraculous deliverance. Acts 12
Paul prays, and heals the father of Publius of a fever. Acts 28:8.
Besides these, many prayers are recorded without details. Peter on the house top at Joppa, (Acts 10:9): the Church in sending forth Barnabas and Saul 3), Paul and Silas in prison (16:25); Paul with the elders at Ephesus (20:36); Paul and the disciples (21:5), &c.
Paul prays that he may be prospered in his journey to Rome, where he longs to see the saints (Romans 1:10); he is taken there, but as a prisoner (Acts 28:16).
Paul prays that he may visit the Thessalonian saints (1 Thessalonians 3:10), perhaps fulfilled in Acts 20:2.
2.-Prayers not answered.
Paul prays for deliverance from those who did not believe in Judea (Romans 15:31), but soon after arriving at Jerusalem, he is put into prison.
Paul prays thrice that the thorn in the flesh may be taken away from him 2 Corinthians 12:8). This request is not granted, but he is told by the Lord, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
In the Epistles we do not find an historical account of events that took place, and consequently there are but few prayers, the answers to which are recorded. We read however the outpourings of the Apostles hearts and learn what were their desires for their fellow believers, and, as these afford us happy instructions as to what may now be the character of the prayers of those who have the welfare of God’s people at heart, we have selected from the researches of the class such passages as seemed the most deeply interesting. Embracing as these prayers did, the whole Church of God, we may believe that they were abundantly answered as regards many, of whose lives we have no record, but whose record is on high.
The prayers of Paul.
That Israel might be saved. Romans 10:1.
That the saints might be of one mind, and so glorify God. Romans 15:5,6.
That they might be filled with joy and peace and abound in hope. Romans 15:13.
That they should do no evil. 2 Corinthians 13:7.
That they might have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God, and might know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and the exceeding greatness of His power towards them. Ephesians 1:17-19.
That they might be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man. That they might know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. Ephesians 3:16-19.
That their love might abound in knowledge and judgment, that they might approve things that are excellent, and be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10.
That they might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that they might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing. Colossians 1:9-12.
That they might increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men. 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13.
That they might be sanctified wholly, that their whole spirit, soul, and body might be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
That God would count them worthy of His calling-that the name of the Lord might be glorified in them. 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12.
That they might be comforted, and stablished in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:17.
That their hearts might be directed into the love of God, and the patience of Christ—Revelation 2, Thessalonians 3:5.
That the Lord of peace might give them peace always, by all means. 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
That they might be made perfect in every good work to do God’s will. Hebrews 13:21.
Paul’s prayers for particular saints.
For Timothy, 2 Timothy 1:3.
For Onesiphorus, that he might find mercy of the Lori in that day 2 Timothy 1:16-18
For those who forsook him, that it might not be laid to their charge 2 Timothy 4:16.
Peter, that the God of all grace might make them perfect, stablish, strengthen and settle them. 1 Peter 5:10.
Christ...who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able and to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared. Hebrews 5:7.
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.