Applying the Doctrine of God's Sovereignty to Prayer Life
Prayer is understood as direct address and intercourse with God, whether oral or mental, constant or occasional [2]. It is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, commanded in Scripture (e.g., Isaiah 55:6, Matthew 7:7, Philippians 4:6) and directed toward God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit [3]. The efficacy of prayer, however, often raises questions, particularly when considered alongside the doctrine of God's sovereignty [1].
The Bible describes prayer in various ways, such as "beseeching the Lord" (Exodus 32:11), "pouring out the soul before the Lord" (1 Samuel 1:15), "seeking unto God and making supplication" (Job 8:5), and "drawing near to God" (Psalm 73:28) [2]. It involves expressions like bowing the knees (Ephesians 3:14), lifting up the soul (Psalm 25:1), and crying to God (Psalm 27:7) [3]. Jesus taught His disciples a model prayer, often called the Lord's Prayer, which encapsulates a wide range of spiritual needs in a concise form [4, 7]. This prayer serves as a guide for how believers should pray, emphasizing simplicity and sincerity over "vain repetition" [7].
The doctrine of God's sovereignty asserts that God is in ultimate control of all things. This can lead to a perceived tension with the practice of prayer, as some might wonder why prayer is necessary if God has already determined all outcomes [1]. However, Scripture consistently presents God as one who hears and answers prayer [3]. For instance, Psalm 10:17 states that God hears the desire of the afflicted, and Psalm 65:2 affirms that He hears prayer [3]. The Bible does not offer a theoretical explanation for this mystery but rather presents prayer as a divinely ordained means through which believers interact with their sovereign God [1].
Applying the doctrine of God's sovereignty to prayer life means understanding that prayer is not an attempt to change God's mind or inform Him of something He doesn't already know. Instead, it is an act of aligning one's will with God's will and participating in His divine plan. The confidence in prayer comes from knowing that one is praying "according to his will" [11]. When a believer's will aligns with God's will, their prayers are accepted [11]. This requires a transformation of inner attitudes and thoughts to match the words uttered in prayer, reflecting truth, justice, and righteousness [12].
Prayer under affliction, for example, is encouraged (James 5:13) and includes petitions for God to consider trouble (2 Kings 19:16), for His presence and support (Psalm 10:1), for divine comfort (Psalm 4:6), and for deliverance (Psalm 25:17) [5]. These prayers are offered with the understanding that God "influences" the heart and "prepares" it [6]. The Holy Spirit is also involved in prayer, as believers are exhorted to pray to the Holy Spirit [3]. Paul's prayers often reflect a consciousness of the Lord Jesus' presence and a desire for peace and grace to be with believers [8, 9, 10].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Prayer — The object of this article will be to touch briefly on-- + The doctrine of Scripture as to the nature and efficacy of prayer; + Its directions as to time, place and manner of prayer; + Its types and examples of prayer. + Scripture does not give any theoretical explanation of the mystery which attaches to prayer. The difficulty of understanding real efficacy arises chiefly from two sources: from the belief that man lives under general laws, which in all cases must be fulfilled unalterably; and the opposing belief that he is master of his own destiny, and need ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Prayer — Is converse with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. Prayer may be oral or mental, occasional or constant, ejaculatory or formal. It is a "beseeching the Lord" (Ex. 32:11); "pouring out the soul before the Lord" (1 Sam. 1:15); "praying and crying to heaven" (2 Chr. 32:20); "seeking unto God and making supplication" (Job 8:5); "drawing near to God" (Ps. 73:28); "bowing the knees" (Eph. 3:14). Prayer presupposes a belief in the personality of God, his ability and willingness to hold inter”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer — Commanded -- Isa 55:6; Mt 7:7; Php 4:6. To be offered To God. -- Ps 5:2; Mt 4:10. To Christ. -- Lu 23:42; Ac 7:59. To the Holy Spirit. -- 2Th 3:5. Through Christ. -- Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19. God hears -- Ps 10:17; 65:2. God answers -- Ps 99:6; Isa 58:9. Is described as Bowing the knees. -- Eph 3:14. Looking up. -- Ps 5:3. Lifting up the soul. -- Ps 25:1. Lifting up the heart. -- La 3:41. Pouring out the heart. -- Ps 62:8. Pouring out the soul. -- 1Sa 1:15. Calling upon the name of the Lord. -- Ge 12:8; Ps 116:4; Ac 22:16. Crying to God. -- Ps 27:7; 34:6. Drawing”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Lords Prayer — the prayer which Jesus taught his disciples. (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4) "In this prayer our Lord shows his disciples how an infinite variety of wants and requests can be compressed into a few humble petitions. It embodies every possible desire of a praying heart, a whole world of spiritual requirements; yet all in the most simple, condensed and humble form, resembling, in this respect, a pearl on which the light of heaven plays."--Lange. "This prayer contains four great general sentiments, which constitute the very soul of religion,--sentiments which”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Heart, The — Issues of life are out of -- Pr 4:23. God Tries. -- 1Ch 29:17; Jer 12:3. Knows. -- Ps 44:21; Jer 20:12. Searched. -- 1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10. Understands the thoughts of. -- 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:2. Ponders. -- Pr 21:2; 24:12. Influences. -- 1Sa 10:26; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 21:1; Jer 20:9. Creates a new. -- Ps 51:10; Eze 36:26. Prepares. -- 1Ch 29:18; Pr 16:1. Opens. -- Ac 16:14. Enlightens. -- 2Co 4:6; Eph 1:18. Strengthens. -- Ps 27:14. Establishes. -- Ps 112:8; 1Th 3:13. Should be Prepared to God. -- 1Sa 7:3. Given to God. -- Pr 23:26. Perfect with God. -- 1Ki 8:”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 6:9: 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer is similar in form to a common Jewish prayer (the qaddish). Jesus gave this prayer to his followers as a succinct expression of their new faith. 6:9 Pray like this: In contrast to the vain repetition of pagan prayers (6:7-8), “the Lord’s Prayer” is a model of simplicity. • Jews rarely addressed God as Father, but Jesus did so in every prayer but one (Mark 15:34). • may your name be kept holy: God’s name is profaned by the sin of his people (Isa 29:22-24; Jer 34:15-16; Ezek 39:7; Amos 2:7).”
- 2 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: 3:16 The final prayer echoes Jesus’ blessing in John 14:27 (cp. Num 6:26) and contrasts with the situation these believers faced in Thessalonica (2 Thes 1:4-10; 1 Thes 2:14). Paul was always conscious of the Lord Jesus’ presence with his people (Rom 15:33; Phil 4:9).”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 4:23: (Gal 6:18). be with you all. Amen--The oldest manuscripts read, "Be with your spirit," and omit "Amen." Next: Colossians Introduction”
- 2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" (Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter (Rom 14:17). always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances. by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscript”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 5:14: the confidence--boldness (Jo1 4:17) in prayer, which results from knowing that we have eternal life (Jo1 5:13; Jo1 3:19, Jo1 3:22). according to his will--which is the believer's will, and which is therefore no restraint to his prayers. In so far as God's will is not our will, we are not abiding in faith, and our prayers are not accepted. ALFORD well says, If we knew God's will thoroughly, and submitted to it heartily, it would be impossible for us to ask anything for the spirit or for the body which He should not perform; it is this ideal state whic”
- Jeremiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jeremiah 4:2: 4:2 As surely as the Lord lives: The correct attitude when offering a prayer of confession and making oaths reflects truth, justice, and righteousness. Truth means that the inner attitudes and thoughts of those praying match the words they utter. Justice means living by the laws of the Lord, who will judge the earth. Righteousness means that people relate to others in accordance with the Lord’s Spirit and the moral standards he has established. This kind of prayer requires a radical transformation of people’s inner lives and outer lifestyle (Gen 22:18; Deut 10:20”