Crying Out To God

What is the difference between the prayers of the saints in scripture and our prayers today? Perhaps the answer is; “there was a fervency in the prayers of biblical saints – a fervency that is inherent in crying out.”

·      When this truth is grasped that God actually hears our prayers, we will not have to be convinced to raise our voice in praise and requests.

·      Because words have meaning when used in sentences to communicate ideas and thoughts, it is important to understand the use of biblical words in context. Establishing this context entails tracing words to their origin and then allowing them to speak their meaning which in turn gives us a range of meaning that influences interpretation.

1.     CALL OUT TO ME

a.     “qara”[qo-rey] – meaning to call upon or invoke a name for help in a time of need.

b.     “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me” Psa 50:15 ESV

c.      “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psa 145:18 ESV

2.     An Outflow Not A Formula

a.     “siah”[si-yah] – occupy one’s attention, by means of uttering

b.     “eheme”[hamah] – groan loudly, roaring

c.      “Evening and morning and at noon I will utter my complaint and will moan, and he hears my voice” Psa 55:17

3.     Wailing Cry

a.     “sa-quo”[tsa-aq] – a cry of wailing

b.     “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears them out of their troubles.” Psa 34:17 ESV

4.     Jubilation or Lament

a.     “rennati”[rinnah] – The range of this word entails loud jubilation or loud lament or wailing

b.     “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer” Psa 61:1 ESV

Repeatedly David uttered aloud with deep emotion his cries; “I cried to the Lord with my voice and He heard me from His holy hill…O Lord my God I cried out to you and you healed me” [Psa 3:4; 30:2].

Over and over David demonstrates his trust that God would hear him yet again; “The Lord will hear when I call to Him…To You I will cry O Lord my Rock…Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to you” [Psa 4:3; 28:1-2]. This was not a magical formula or rabbit’s foot gimmick with David. It was sincere belief that when I cry out loud that God hears my cry and answers me. It was a natural outflow for David.

1.     The Holy Spirit Prompting

a.     “krazon” – Shriek, cry out, scream”

b.     “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “ABBA FATHER!” [Galatians 4:6 ESV]

                                                i.     Who is doing the Shrieking, crying out loud, screaming in this context?

                                               ii.     The Holy Spirit is prompting us to do the same unto our heavenly Father.