“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
Lord Jesus, I used to read this verse and cringe. First because I thought answers to my prayers were directly tied to my maturity as a Christian. The more “righteous” I was, the more my prayers would “work.” (What an impossible burden to carry!) Second, I used to think an answered prayer was one to which you say “Yes!” (What a self-centered view of prayer that is!)
Thankfully, the Gospel has been deconstructing and rebuilding my prayer life, with you and your glory as the focus, meaning, and goal of all prayer. Jesus, first and foremost, you are the “righteous man” whose prayers are powerful and effective. Jesus, you are our great prayer warrior—ever living to advocate and intercede for us (Heb.7:25, John 17). Hallelujah… everything you pray for will come to pass!
The “only” righteousness we claim is yours. When you saved us, you robed us in your righteousness, and Abba declared us 100% righteous in you. Because our lives are now hidden in yours and because of our unbreakable union with you, we’ve been set free to pray with palms-up-boldness at the throne of grace.
For you are the sovereign King who is reigning over all things; not a computer waiting to be programmed by us. You are our great Bridegroom who enjoys communing and fellowshipping with us in prayer—which is the most life-changing form of prayer there is this side of heaven. The better we know you, Jesus, the more we will understand good answers to our prayers include “Yes,” “No, and you’ll thank me later,” “Not yet,” “Yes, but not as you asked,” “Yes, but you’ll only see it in heaven.”
One thing is certain, throughout eternity our bold, bodacious, beautiful declaration will be, “Our God has done all things well.” We praise, bless, and adore you, Jesus. So Very Amen.
