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Let Us Pray

by Bryan Gibson

March 5, 2010

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Here are some attributes of God, which should encourage faithful Christians everywhere to keep on praying.

God has great power, so much so that “by the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the host of heaven by the breath of his mouth” (Psalms 33:6). We “stand in awe of Him, for he spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast” (Psalms 33:8-9). No need to worry if God is capable of answering all my prayers, or even all the prayers of faithful Christians everywhere. If we were to all pray at the same time, and all make different requests, it still wouldn’t tax Him in the least.

God has great compassion and lovingkindness. “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth” (Psalms 86:15). “How precious is your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings” (Psalms 36:7). God doesn’t just have the power to help us; He wants to help—because He cares.

God has infinite knowledge and understanding—“Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (Psalms 147:5). That being the case, how can He not know what is best for us? Remember, His perfect understanding even includes that which is yet to happen. We ask for things sometimes, only because we know (or think) we need it right now. We don’t always think about what that means for us “down the road.” Aren’t we glad that God knows, and that what He gives us won’t hurt us in the long run?

God’s infinite knowledge and understanding extends to every single individual. “The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works” (Psalms 33:13-15). God doesn’t just know what mankind in general needs; He knows what I need. Everyone’s situation is just a little bit different—that’s no problem for God. He keeps up with all His children, and He knows what’s best for each one.

God is faithful, meaning among other things that He’s always available. “I will lift up my eyes to the hills; from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalms 121:1-4). Ever needed help and had a hard time getting in touch with family or friends? That’s never an issue with God. Call upon Him any time—He never sleeps; He never takes a break; He never goes “out of town.”

God is righteous. “In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness” (Psalms 143:1). If there was even a hint of unrighteousness in God, He might occasionally lead us down the wrong path. No need to worry, for because of His righteousness, we can be confident that His answers will always keep us in the path of righteousness.