The Most High a Prayer-Hearing God (Psalm 65:2) | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into The Most High a Prayer-Hearing God (Psalm 65:2) by Jonathan EdwardsJonathan Edwards expounds upon the doctrine derived from Psalm 65:2, asserting that the Most High is defined by His character as a God who hears prayer. This attribute distinguishes the true God from idols, lifeless nature, or devils, all of which are incapable of understanding or answering human needs. Edwards defines hearing prayer as God accepting supplications and acting in agreement with them, often granting spiritual peace or providential mercy.Edwards argues that God is eminently a prayer-hearing God because He provides free access to a throne of grace for all people, including the unworthy. God hears readily—sometimes before the petitioner speaks—and gives liberally, often exceeding what was asked. Edwards cites biblical examples, such as Joshua stopping the sun and Elijah controlling the rain, to demonstrate the power of prayer to seemingly overcome divine opposition.The text explains that God requires prayer not to be informed of human wants, as He is omniscient, but to ensure humans acknowledge their dependence on Him and to prepare their hearts to receive mercy. God's readiness to answer flows from His infinite grace and the mediation of Jesus Christ. Christ's atonement removes the barrier of guilt, His obedience merits a hearing for believers, and His intercession sanctifies their prayers.Finally, Edwards addresses objections regarding unanswered prayers, attributing them to lustful motives, insincerity, or God exercising superior wisdom regarding the timing and nature of the answer. He concludes that while God is not obliged to hear unbelievers, He commands all to pray and may grant sovereign mercy even to the wicked. Consequently, the privilege of having a prayer-hearing God should drive humanity to constant, fervent prayer.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730