Prayer and Trust in God's Sovereignty and Goodness

Prayer is a direct address to God, an intercourse of the soul with the divine, which can be expressed orally or mentally, and may be occasional or constant ^[8]. It is commanded in scripture, with passages like Isaiah 55:6, Matthew 7:7, and Philippians 4:6 urging believers to pray ^[4]. This act of communication is rooted in the belief in God's personality, His ability, and His willingness to engage with humanity ^[8].

The Bible describes prayer in various ways, including "bowing the knees" (Ephesians 3:14), "looking up" (Psalm 5:3), "lifting up the soul" (Psalm 25:1), "lifting up the heart" (Lamentations 3:41), "pouring out the heart" (Psalm 62:8), and "pouring out the soul" (1 Samuel 1:15) ^[4]. It is also referred to as "calling upon the name of the Lord" (Genesis 12:8; Psalm 116:4; Acts 22:16) and "crying to God" (Psalm 27:7; 34:6) ^[4].

Access to God through prayer is understood to be a divine gift ^[3]. It is made possible through Christ, as indicated in passages such as John 10:7, 9; 14:6; Romans 5:2; Ephesians 2:13; 3:12; Hebrews 7:9, 25; and 10:19 ^[3]. The Holy Spirit also plays a crucial role, enabling believers to pray (Ephesians 2:18) ^[3]. This access is obtained through faith (Acts 14:27; Romans 5:2; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 11:6) and follows reconciliation with God (Colossians 1:21, 22) ^[3]. Believers are encouraged to approach God with confidence in prayer (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16) ^[5].

The concept of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness is intrinsically linked with prayer. The Psalms frequently exhort believers to trust in the Lord. Psalm 4:5 (Geneva 1599) states, "Offer the sacrifices of righteousnes, and trust in the Lord" ^[1]. Similarly, Psalm 37:3 (NASB) advises, "Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness" ^[2]. This trust is not merely a passive hope but an active reliance on God's character and promises ^[6]. Matthew Henry, in his commentary on Psalm 115:9, emphasizes the wisdom of trusting in the living God, contrasting it with the folly of trusting in "dead images." He describes God as "a help and a shield to those that do trust in them, a help to furnish them with and forward them in that which is good, and a shield to fortify them against and protect them from every thing that is evil" ^[13].

God's faithfulness is a cornerstone of this trust. It is declared to be a part of His character (Isaiah 49:7; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24) and is described as great (Lamentations 3:23), established (Psalm 89:2), incomparable (Psalm 89:8), unfailing (Psalm 89:33; 2 Timothy 2:13), infinite (Psalm 36:5), and everlasting (Psalm 119:90; 146:6) ^[7]. This faithfulness is manifested in His counsels (Isaiah 25:1), in afflicting His saints (Psalm 119:75), in fulfilling His promises (1 Kings 8:20; Psalm 132:11; Micah 7:20; Hebrews 10:23), in keeping His covenant (Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 111:5), and in executing His judgments ^[7]. Believers are encouraged to plead God's faithfulness in prayer (Psalm 143:1) and to proclaim it (Psalm 40:10; 89:1) ^[7].

The relationship between prayer and trust in God's sovereignty is evident in the expectation that God hears and answers prayers ^[4]. While God's sovereignty implies His ultimate control over all things, prayer is not seen as an attempt to change God's mind, but rather as an alignment with His will and an expression of dependence. The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus, serves as a model for this, emphasizing simplicity and addressing God as Father ^[9]. It includes petitions for God's name to be kept holy and for His kingdom to come, reflecting a desire for God's sovereign will to be done ^[9].

The concept of "boldness" in prayer is also linked to trust in God ^[5]. This boldness is a characteristic of saints (Proverbs 28:1) and is produced by trust in God (Isaiah 50:7), the fear of God (Acts 4:19; 5:29), and faithfulness to God (1 Timothy 3:13) ^[5]. Believers are exhorted to express their trust in God with boldness (Hebrews 13:6) and to have boldness in prayer (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16) ^[5]. This boldness is not presumptuous but stems from faith in Christ (Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 10:19) ^[5].

Hope, another facet of trust, is placed in God (Psalm 39:7; 1 Peter 1:21), in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:19; 1 Timothy 1:1), in God's promises (Acts 26:6, 7; Titus 1:2), and in the mercy of God (Psalm 33:18) ^[6]. This hope is described as good (2 Thessalonians 2:16), lively (1 Peter 1:3), sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19), gladdening (Proverbs 10:28), and blessed (Titus 2:13) ^[6]. It is a work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:5) and is obtained through grace (2 Thessalonians 2:16), the Word (Psalm 119:81), the patience and comfort of the Scriptures (Romans 15:4), the gospel (Colossians 1:5, 23), and faith (Romans 5:1, 2; Galatians 5:5) ^[6].

John Gill, commenting on Matthew 21:22, notes that "all things whatsoever" asked in prayer, believing, can include not only miracles but also anything that may be for the honor of God, the interest of religion, the spreading of the Gospel, the enlargement of Christ's kingdom, and the spiritual good of individuals ^[10]. This highlights the broad scope of prayer when coupled with faith and trust in God's sovereign purposes.

Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Jude 1:20-21, connects "praying in the Holy Ghost" with "building up yourselves on your most holy faith" and "keeping yourselves in the love of God" ^{[11, 12]}. He emphasizes that prayer not influenced by the Holy Spirit is unlikely to reach heaven ^[11]. Furthermore, he states that despite diligence in building, praying, and keeping oneself in God's love, believers must still "look for the Mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, to bring them to Eternal Life," underscoring that salvation is ultimately by grace through mercy, not by works ^[12]. This perspective reinforces the idea that prayer and trust are acts of dependence on God's goodness and sovereign provision, rather than attempts to earn favor.

Sources

Psalms “Psalms 4:5 (Geneva1599) — Offer the sacrifices of righteousnes, and trust in the Lord.”
Psalms “Psalms 37:3 (NASB) — Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Access to God — Is of God -- Ps 65:4. Is by Christ -- Joh 10:7, 9; 14:6; Ro 5:2; Eph 2:13; 3:12; Heb 7:9, 25; 10:19; 1Pe 3:18. Is by the Holy Spirit -- Eph 2:18. Obtained through faith -- Ac 14:27; Ro 5:2; Eph 3:12; Heb 11:6. Follows upon reconciliation to God -- Col 1:21,22. In Prayer -- See Prayer. De 4:7; Mt 6:6; 1Pe 1:17. In his temple -- Ps 15:1; 27:4; 43:3; 65:4. To obtain mercy and grace -- Heb 4:16. A privilege of saints -- De 4:7; Ps 15:1; 23:6; 24:3,4. Saints have, with confidence -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16; 10:19,20. Vouchsafed to repenting sinners -- See Repen”
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”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hope — In God -- Ps 39:7; 1Pe 1:21. In Christ -- 1Co 15:19; 1Ti 1:1. In God's promises -- Ac 26:6,7; Tit 1:2. In the mercy of God -- Ps 33:18. Is the work of the Holy Spirit -- Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5. Obtained through Grace. -- 2Th 2:16. The word. -- Ps 119:81. Patience and comfort of the Scriptures. -- Ro 15:4. The gospel. -- Col 1:5,23. Faith. -- Ro 5:1,2; Ga 5:5. The result of experience -- Ro 5:4. A better hope brought in by Christ -- Heb 7:19. Described as Good. -- 2Th 2:16. Lively. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure and steadfast. -- Heb 6:19. Gladdening. -- Pr 10:28. Blessed. -- Tit ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Faithfulness of God, The — Is part of his character -- Isa 49:7; 1Co 1:9; 1Th 5:24. Declared to be Great. -- La 3:23. Established. -- Ps 89:2. Incomparable. -- Ps 89:8. Unfailing. -- Ps 89:33; 2Ti 2:13. Infinite. -- Ps 36:5. Everlasting. -- Ps 119:90; 146:6. Should be pleaded in prayer -- Ps 143:1. Should be proclaimed -- Ps 40:10; 89:1. Manifested In his counsels. -- Isa 25:1. In afflicting his saints. -- Ps 119:75. In fulfilling his promises. -- 1Ki 8:20; Ps 132:11; Mic 7:20; Heb 10:23. In keeping his covenant. -- De 7:9; Ps 111:5. In executing his judgments. -- Je”
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”
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).”
Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 21:22: And all things whatsoever,.... Not only miracles, but any other thing which may be for the honour of God, the interest of religion, the spreading of the Gospel, the enlargement of the kingdom, of Christ, their own spiritual good, and the welfare of immortal souls, ye shall ask in prayer, believing. Munster's Hebrew Gospel reads it, "in prayer, and in faith"; and the Arabic version renders it, "in prayer with faith"; both to the same purpose, and aptly express the sense of the words, which design the prayer of faith; or that prayer which is put up in the strength o”
Jude (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Jude 1:20: Building up yourselves - Having the most holy faith - the Gospel of our Lord Jesus, and the writings of his apostles, for your foundation; founding all your expectations on these, and seeking from the Christ who is their sum and substance; all the grace and glory ye need. Praying in the Holy Ghost - Holding fast the Divine influence which ye have received, and under that influence making prayer and supplication to God. The prayer that is not sent up through the influence of the Holy Ghost is never likely to reach heaven.”
Jude (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Jude 1:21: Keep yourselves in the love of God - By building up yourselves on your most holy faith, and praying in the Holy Ghost; for without this we shall soon lose the love of God. Looking for the mercy of our Lord - For although they were to build themselves up, and to pray in the Holy Ghost, and keep themselves in the love of God, yet this building, praying, and keeping, cannot merit heaven; for, after all their diligence, earnestness, self-denial, watching, obedience, etc., they must look for the Mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, to bring them to Eternal Life.”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 115:9: In these verses, I. We are earnestly exhorted, all of us, to repose our confidence in God, and not suffer our confidence in him to be shaken by the heathens' insulting over us upon the account of our present distresses. It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that do trust in them, a help to furnish them with and forward them in that which is good, and a shield to fortify them against and protect them from every thing that is evil. Therefore, 1. Let Israel trust in the Lord; the body”

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