What does the Bible say about praying for a sign?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that we may humbly ask God for guidance and reassurance, but we should not demand signs as a condition for trusting or obeying him. Isaiah 7:11 shows God graciously offering Ahaz a sign, while Judges 6:36-40 records God patiently strengthening Gideon’s weak faith. Yet Jesus rebukes those who seek signs from unbelief in Mark 8:12 and Matthew 16:4. Christians are called instead to abide in Christ and pray according to his word, trusting that he hears and answers wisely (John 15:7). Psalm 86:17 expresses a faithful plea for encouragement, and Luke 18:1 urges persistent prayer. God’s clearest sign is his saving work in Christ, not private tests we set for him.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Isaiah 7:11
"Ask a sign of Yahweh your God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above."
- John 15:7
If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
- Mark 8:12
He sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Most assuredly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation."
- Judges 6:36-40
[36] Gideon said to God, If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken, [37] behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there be dew on the fleece only, and it be dry on all the ground, then shall I know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken. [38] It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. [39] Gideon said to God, Don't let your anger be kindled against me, and I will speak but this once: Please let me make a trial just this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, and on all the ground let there be dew. [40] God did so that night: for it was dry on the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
- Matthew 16:4
An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah." He left them, and departed.
- Psalms 86:17
Show me a sign of your goodness, That those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, Because you, Yahweh, have helped me, and comforted me.
- Luke 18:1
He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up,
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