What it Means to Petition God and How to Do it
Petitioning means having a heartfelt conversation with God, presenting your requests, needs, and desires to Him through prayer. It’s a desperate plea for God’s intervention in your life, earnestly acknowledging your dependence on His power and grace to provide, protect, and guide you through a challenging situation.
The Mandate to Petition
The Bible encourages us to bring our petitions to God. Here are some key verses:
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Psalm 50:15 (NIV) – “And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
1 John 5:14 (NIV) – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
Matthew 7:7 (NIV) – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV) – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”
Psalm 102:17 (NIV) – “He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.”
Examples of Petitioning
In the Bible, we see people petitioning for many reasons such as seeking God’s intervention in crises, asking for forgiveness, pleading for deliverance, requesting blessings, seeking guidance, and interceding on behalf of others.
Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-20): Hannah was deeply distressed because she was childless. She poured out her heart to God, pleading for a son. God heard her petition, and she gave birth to Samuel, who became a great prophet.
Moses (Exodus 32:11-14): When the Israelites sinned by worshipping a golden calf, Moses petitioned God to spare them from destruction. God relented and did not bring disaster on His people.
Daniel (Daniel 9:3-19): Daniel petitioned God on behalf of the Israelites, confessing their sins and seeking God’s mercy. God responded by revealing the future of Israel through the angel Gabriel.
Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4-11): Nehemiah, upon hearing about the ruined walls of Jerusalem, fasted and prayed, petitioning God to grant him favor before the king. God answered his prayer, enabling him to lead the effort to rebuild the walls.
Elijah (1 Kings 18:36-39): On Mount Carmel, Elijah petitioned God to reveal Himself to Israel as the true God and to turn their hearts back to Him. God answered by sending fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, demonstrating His power and sovereignty.
Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10): Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.
An Outline for Petitioning
Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah, and during his reign, he faced a dire threat. A vast army composed of Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites came to wage war against Judah. The news of this upcoming invasion struck fear in Jehoshaphat’s heart.
Faced with an overwhelming enemy, Jehoshaphat didn’t turn to his military commanders first. Instead, he turned to God. He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah, and people from every town came together to seek the Lord.
Here’s how Jehoshaphat petitioned God:
1. Reminded God of His Identity
First, Jehoshaphat acknowledged God’s sovereignty and supreme power, affirming that no one could withstand Him.
- 2 Chronicles 20:6 (NIV): “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.”
2. Reminded God of His History
Next, Jehoshaphat recalled how God had driven out the inhabitants of the land before Israel, reminding God (and the people) of His mighty deeds in the past.
- 2 Chronicles 20:7 (NIV): “Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?”
3. Reminded God of His Promise
Jehoshaphat then referred to God’s promise that if the people cried out to Him in their affliction, He would hear and save them.
- 2 Chronicles 20:8-9 (NIV): “And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’”
4. Communicated the Need to God
Finally, Jehoshaphat presented the immediate threat and his own powerlessness, asking for God’s judgment and intervention.
- 2 Chronicles 20:10-12 (NIV): “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
The Result of Jehoshaphat’s Petition
God responded to Jehoshaphat’s heartfelt petition through a prophet named Jahaziel. He assured them that the battle was not theirs but God’s, and they wouldn’t need to fight. The next day, as they went out to face the enemy with worship and praise, God set ambushes against the invaders, causing them to destroy each other. Judah witnessed a miraculous victory without even having to engage in battle.
Applying Jehoshaphat’s Model to Our Petitions
We can use Jehoshaphat’s structured approach as a powerful model for our own petitions:
- Remind God of His Identity: Acknowledge who God is—His power, sovereignty, and love. By recognizing His attributes, you reaffirm your trust in His capability and willingness to act on your behalf.
- Example: “You are the Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Nothing is impossible for You.”
- Remind God of His History: Recall and thank God for the ways He has helped and provided for you in the past. This builds your faith and reminds you of His consistent faithfulness.
- Example: “Lord, I remember how you provided for me when I was in need last year. You have always been faithful.”
- Remind God of His Word: Speak God’s promises from the Bible that relate to your situation. By doing so, you stand on the truth of His Word and claim His promises for your life.
- Example: “Your Word says that You will never leave us nor forsake us. You promise to be our refuge and strength.”
- Communicate Your Need: Present your specific requests and needs to God. Be clear and honest about what you are facing, trusting that He cares for you and is ready to help.
- Example: “Lord, I am facing a difficult situation in my life. I don’t know what to do, but I trust in Your guidance and provision. Please help me navigate this challenge.”
By following this model, we align our prayers with God’s character and promises, building our faith and trust in His ability to respond. When we petition God with sincere hearts, He listens and acts on our behalf.
