“Arguments” in prayer?
In prayer to the Lord God Almighty?
Sounds strange, doesn’t it, maybe even paradoxical?
But Biblically such a concept (presenting God your arguments, your reasons, your needs) is apparently allowed! Maybe even encouraged!
Or at least one of the most godly men who ever lived (the Old Testament hero Job) prayed this way, using “arguments” before the Lord!
Specifically … “Oh that I knew where I might find Him (God)! that I might come even to His Seat (Throne)! I would order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with ARGUMENTS. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.” Job 23:3-5
And by the way, God did answer Job’s prayers!
Job’s “arguments” prevailed with our Creator and Redeemer!
I just noticed (by researching the matter) that Charles H. Spurgeon preached (July 15, 1866) a sermon he entitled “Order and Argument in Prayer!”
His Text?
Job 23:3-5 … which I just shared with you!
That Sermon is still available free of charge online.
My point today: Learn to tell God WHY you need a certain prayer answered! I mean give Him the reasons! Gently, reverently, present your ARGUMENTS before Him!
Do remember, this is the great God Who invites us … “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 1:18 (One translation of the verb “reason” here, in the King James Version of the Bible, is “argue,” absolutely amazing! (This rare occurrence is found in Job 6:25!)
I trust I am making my point today. This could potentially change someone’s prayer life!
Now to the Verse that got me “started” on this train of thought!
Psalm 31:3 … “For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.”
David is humbly giving God an “argument” to answer a prayer of his!
Watch …
“Lord, I have made Thee my Rock and my Fortress.” This is an “argument,” a strong reason … to get one’s prayers heard and answered!
Now David presents his Plea, after his argument! His Need presented before the Lord! “Lead me and Guide me” O Lord! That’s what he asked of God, as King David would have needed that for sure.
Now, you tell me.
Did God answer that prayer for David?
Did God respond to David’s argument?
His is “Psalm 23” David, don’t forget!
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: HE LEADETH ME beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: HE LEADETH ME in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3
Wow!
Argument and Answer!
“I have made Thee my Rock and Fortress! Wilt Thou therefore lead me and guide me?”
Truthfully … the Bible is full of such instances!
All I can say now … TRY IT!
See if God says in your heart … “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:2
Or this … “Come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Let me quit writing.
In fact, let’s all now invest some serious time in prayer! (Oh, you might have to take a few minutes and prepare your “arguments” first!)
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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