Prayer Purpose
Author: Pastor Thomas G. Wilson
April 24, 2020
John 14:13-14 TPT [13] For I will do whatever you ask me to do when you ask me in my name. And that is how the Son will show what the Father is really like and bring glory to him. [14] Ask me anything in my name, and I will do it for you!"
Ultimately all prayer is for the glory of God! Every answer to prayer shows what God is really like and brings Him glory. Glory is a word that is familiar to those who have spent some time as a regular participant in church services. But even though “glory” sounds familiar in the language of Christian worship many do not understand what it means. The Hebrew word translated glory is “kabod” means “weight, splendor, abundance, honor or importance.” It is the worth, copiousness, beauty, and renown of God revealed, hence visible evidence. In short, we will define “glory” as “the going public of God’s infinite worth, beauty, and abundance. Therefore, every prayer request, as well as every situation that triggers a prayer request, is actually an opportunity to witness the glory of God! God wants mankind to see Him, really see Him as He is in such a conspicuous way so as to make an indelible mark/impression on the heart. This is God’s pattern. He makes His glory progressively known in your life in ways that are new and unexpected which forever advance your understanding of Him.
Abraham is a perfect example of the progressive unveiling of God. When asked to offer as a sacrifice Isaac, his miracle son of an infertile 90 year old wife and a 99 year old man, Abraham had knowledge of God as creator/giver of purpose, a trusted guide and a faithful promise keeper. But in the context of this present challenge, God was about to unwrap a new element of His glory in stunning brilliance. Just as Abraham raised the knife to plunge it into Isaac, the angel of the LORD stopped him. Abraham’s trust in God was on display and God would answer that trust with glory. When Abraham heard a rustling in the nearby bush, he discovered a ram for the sacrifice and something clicked in Abraham. He believed that God would raise his son from the dead if he sacrificed him but God revealed Himself vividly as the God who sees and provides (Jehovah Jireh). God could have demonstrated this aspect of His glory in many other ways but He chose one that would forever mark Abraham’s consciousness. (Genesis 22:1-14)
God wants His children to see Him as Savior, Counselor, Provider, Healer, Sustainer, Protector and Friend; this revelation is progressively developed through His interaction with us all in prayer. Glory to God!
For further reading: Psalm 148:13; Isaiah 43:7; John 11:1-45
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