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◄ Godly Fear: should be Prayed For►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Godly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for the Almighty, is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. It is not a fear that repels or terrifies, but rather one that draws believers closer to God, acknowledging His holiness, majesty, and authority. This reverence is essential for a proper relationship with God and is a theme that runs throughout Scripture.

Biblical Basis for Godly Fear

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of fearing God.Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse highlights that godly fear is the starting point for true wisdom and understanding. It is through this reverence that believers gain insight into God's will and character.

In the New Testament, the concept of godly fear is reiterated.Hebrews 12:28-29 encourages believers to "worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." This passage underscores the necessity of approaching God with a heart full of respect and honor, recognizing His power and holiness.

Praying for Godly Fear

Praying for godly fear is an acknowledgment of the believer's dependence on God to cultivate this reverence within their heart. It is a request for the Holy Spirit to instill a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's nature.Psalm 86:11 serves as a model prayer: "Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name."

The act of praying for godly fear aligns with the desire to live a life pleasing to God. It is a recognition that human efforts alone are insufficient to maintain the reverence due to God. By seeking divine assistance, believers express their longing to grow in holiness and obedience.

The Role of Godly Fear in the Believer's Life

Godly fear serves as a guiding principle in the life of a Christian. It influences behavior, decisions, and attitudes, steering believers away from sin and towards righteousness.Proverbs 16:6 declares, "By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns from evil." This verse illustrates how godly fear acts as a deterrent against sin, encouraging a life of integrity and devotion.

Moreover, godly fear fosters a deeper relationship with God. It cultivates humility, as believers recognize their own limitations and the greatness of God.Isaiah 66:2b states, "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." This trembling at God's word is a manifestation of godly fear, reflecting a heart that is sensitive to His voice and commands.

Conclusion

In summary, godly fear is an essential aspect of the Christian faith that should be earnestly prayed for. It is the foundation of wisdom, a catalyst for righteous living, and a means of drawing closer to God. Through prayer, believers can seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in cultivating a reverent awe for the Almighty, leading to a life that honors and glorifies Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth: unite my heart to fear your name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Reverence in Prayer
... and, indeed, downright profanity, begins where itshould be arrested... With how little
reverence andgodly fear do we who are... Full of thefear of man, lest we do...

The Sixth Season
... Against this Davidprayed, "Turn away mine eyes from...Should your tongue utter all
the thoughts of your... Him acceptably, with reverence andgodly fear; for our...

The Consuming Fire.
... whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence andgodly fear, for our... It is
not possible that heshould.... is Love, do we teach men that theirfear of him...

The Touchstone ofGodly Sincerity
... be merciful to me." His dear friends aregodly people; they... be but an awful mirage,
and on the morrowshould change into... Let as many of us asfear the Lord and...

Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and...
... let us continue in the same state ofgodly fear, in order... they would not depart until
the judgesshould spare the... our portion of the world is agodly man, a...

Prayer.
...prayed lying upon his face; Mosesprayed sitting... formally, carnally, and without
reverence andgodly fear, performs it... that which he cannot abideshould be given...

The Temple and Its Dedication
... tendency to lose the spirit of reverence andgodly fear.... Scriptures teach men how
theyshould approach their... our example, "kneeled down, andprayed." Luke 22:41...

The Best Things Work for Good to theGodly
... What am I, that Ishould have those mercies which others... God's judgments make us
fear Him, His mercies make us... Thus to thegodly, the mercies of God work for...

An Appeal to Children ofGodly Parents
...should follow the same way of life, andshould addict themselves... that all that belonged
to hisgodly family shall... do as they did who trained you in God'sfear!...

The Church as SheShould Be
... were wont to dread the sight of certaingodly men whose... a rage in which the first
cause for wrath isfear.... pray for him." Yes, and all of usshould say, "If we...