Should we remind God of his promises?

[Greenham]

When we pray to God, should we remind him of his promises to us? For example:

• You promised us that you would give us the words to speak to be your witnesses in the world. Speak through Tim at this time.
• You’ve promised that if we confess our sins, we will be forgiven. I have confessed to Father Reynolds. Please forgive me, and grant me inner peace in that forgiveness.
• etc.

These are just examples. As a general principle, is it good practice to preface a prayer with, “You promised X”?

To be clear (since tone can be hard to discern on the internet), I don’t mean saying petulantly, “But Go-o-o-od, you proooommmmissed!” I’m talking about stating measuredly, as a note (perhaps to oneself rather than to God?) of context, “You’ve promised X. Therefore I am asking for a fulfillment of X.”

 

[TimothyH]

Many in the Old Testament reminded God of his covenant promises.

Covenant is a two way street and we have to be cognizant of our own promises however. For Catholic Christians that means our baptismal promises to reject Satan, his works and his empty promises.

-Tim-

 

[Petaro]

I think we can be firm with God, demanding what we deserve in His promises…Presumptuous? Not if we are absolutely sure that we are absolutely sure we want what we deserve. We are, after all, His sons and daughters.

However. if I am left working in the fields without the fattened lamb to share with my mates, I will have nothing to complain about. As long as I live in His house I play by His rules. That seems to be part of the covenant He has with us through Christ. I won’t complain and I must admit that I prefer deferential respect to Him, (given my past indiscretions to which He has cocked an eyebrow at and just grunted.)

We have the rights of son-ship and the joys of family intimacy; however I personally would give Him the benefit of the doubt in His having a long memory, stretching back some time I believe. My prayers are very whiny as they are without becoming slightly precious as well. LOL

 

[Lily_Bernans]

When we pray to God, should we remind him of his promises to us? For example:

• You promised us that you would give us the words to speak to be your witnesses in the world. Speak through Tim at this time.
• You’ve promised that if we confess our sins, we will be forgiven. I have confessed to Father Reynolds. Please forgive me, and grant me inner peace in that forgiveness.
• etc.

These are just examples. As a general principle, is it good practice to preface a prayer with, “You promised X”?

To be clear (since tone can be hard to discern on the internet), I don’t mean saying petulantly, “But Go-o-o-od, you proooommmmissed!” I’m talking about stating measuredly, as a note (perhaps to oneself rather than to God?) of context, “You’ve promised X. Therefore I am asking for a fulfillment of X.”

I would say no. God knows what he’s promised and he keeps his promises. Personally, I don’t even speak to God with words, at least not usually.

 

[drforjc]

I would say no. God knows what he’s promised and he keeps his promises. Personally, I don’t even speak to God with words, at least not usually.

Well, here’s a quick example I was able to find just flipping through the LOTH.

Intercessions from Wednesday, Evening Prayer, 3rd week of Advent:

“Be Mindful, Lord, of all the sons of Abraham – fulfill the promises you made to their fathers.”

And the Collect for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time:

“Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised.”

It seems to me this is basically reminding God to give us the things He has promised.

 

[The_Apostolate]

As Catholic, we are supposed too spread the word of God,too all that well listen,for we are his voice,his eye,s and ear,s in his world.Amen :harp::harp:

 

[Lily_Bernans]

Well, here’s a quick example I was able to find just flipping through the LOTH.

Intercessions from Wednesday, Evening Prayer, 3rd week of Advent:

“Be Mindful, Lord, of all the sons of Abraham – fulfill the promises you made to their fathers.”

And the Collect for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time:

“Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised.”

It seems to me this is basically reminding God to give us the things He has promised.

I suppose it could be called reminding. I don’t call it that. I call it someone emphasizing in prayer what he wishes to receive from God. If we can’t count on God to remember his promises, then we might as well give up on everyone else.

To me, reminding seems a little presumptuous, but I suppose it’s a matter of personal preference. God knows that we’re going to pray anyway. He hears our prayers before they are even uttered.