Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 2: Divine Attributes vs. Human Limitations
1. Introduction
The paradox of prayer lies at the heart of Christian devotion: If God knows everything, including our needs (Matthew 6:8), why does He ask us to pray? Divine omniscience means God is never surprised, yet Scripture repeatedly calls His people to speak, ask, seek, and knock (Philippians 4:6; James 5:16). This tension invites a deeper understanding of prayer not as informing God, but as relating to Him.
2. God Knows All
2.1 Scriptural Foundations
- “Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.” – Psalm 147:5
- “O LORD, You have searched me and known me… You understand my thought afar off.” – Psalm 139:1–2
- “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him.” – Hebrews 4:13
- “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” – Matthew 6:8
2.2 Theological Meaning
- God’s omniscience includes all actual and possible realities (middle knowledge).
- He knows not only what we say, but also what we will say, and even what we do not express (Romans 8:26–27).
3. Yet We Are Commanded to Pray
3.1 Scriptural Commands
- “Call unto me, and I will answer thee.” – Jeremiah 33:3
- “Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- “Ask, and it shall be given you… for everyone who asks receives.” – Matthew 7:7–8
- “In everything by prayer and supplication… let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
3.2 The Purpose of Prayer
- Prayer is not to inform God, but to commune with God.
- It is the expression of trust, dependence, praise, repentance, and intercession.
- Prayer changes us, aligns our will with His, and invites His intervention through ordained means.
4. The Paradox Explained
God’s foreknowledge does not render prayer useless—it affirms that He already intends to answer in wisdom. He invites us to participate in His sovereign purposes:
| Divine Attribute | Apparent Contradiction |
|---|---|
| God knows all | Yet asks us to speak |
| God’s will is perfect | Yet invites us to ask for changes |
| God controls all outcomes | Yet calls us to intercede for others |
Resolution: Prayer is a divinely ordained means through which God’s foreknown will is accomplished. He decrees both ends and means—including our prayers (Ezekiel 36:37).
5. Theological and Devotional Implications
5.1 Prayer Affirms Relationship
- God desires fellowship, not just results.
- Prayer draws us into deeper communion with Him.
5.2 Prayer Shapes Us
- Through prayer, we grow in faith, humility, and patience.
- It aligns our desires to God’s character and mission.
5.3 Prayer as Partnership
- God invites believers to participate in His work (James 5:16–18).
- Though He knows all, He delights in our sincere participation.
6. Conclusion
The paradox of an all-knowing God commanding prayer is resolved when we see prayer as relational participation, not informational exchange. God doesn’t need our prayers to act—but He chooses to work through them, drawing us into intimate fellowship and kingdom service. Prayer is not about altering divine knowledge; it’s about aligning our hearts with the One who already knows, cares, and acts.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 3
- Packer, J.I. Knowing God
- Carson, D.A. A Call to Spiritual Reformation
- Grudem, W. Systematic Theology
- Bavinck, H. Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3