The Prayer of a Righteous Man

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Bible Reading

  • Genesis 18
  • Matthew 17
  • Acts 17

Devotional Thoughts

In Matt 17:20-21 Jesus gives us an incredible picture of what genuine faith can do. If we have faith, even the size of a mustard seed, you could move a mountain. Jesus said in Matt 13:31-32 that the mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds. Scientifically there are smaller seeds than the black mustard seed of Jesus day. But, it was the smallest seed that would have been planted by farmers at the time. The size of a mustard seed is about 1 mm! That’s pretty small. And Jesus says that’s all the faith you need in order to move a mountain!

James 1:5-8 also talks about we should be asking God for in faith. James says, “If you lack wisdom, ask God who gives generously.” But, if you are going to ask, you need to ask in faith, believing, without a doubt. “Don’t suppose you will receive anything if you doubt.” In fact, if you doubt, you are actually double minded and unstable.

The story of Abraham’s conversation with God regarding the people of Sodom in Gen 18:23-33 is an interesting illustration of the prayer of faith. I don’t think Abraham doubted that God could save the city. But, it appears that Abraham had some doubts whether God would do it. Abraham prays in faith, believing in the justice of God. “Surely you won’t kill the righteous with the wicked. That’s impossible. The judge of all the earth has to act justly.” (Gen 18:25) He petitions based on God’s name and character. Will you spare it for the sake of 50, 45, 40, 30, 20 and 10. Six times he asks. Each time God’s answer is the same. “I will spare it for the sake of 10.” (Gen 18:32)

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Matt 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Declarations:

  1. God does answer prayer. The prayer of a righteous man has great power (James 5:16)
  2. When I am delighting in the Lord, when I ask in faith, believing without doubt, God will give me the desires of my heart because my desires will be what He wants. (James 1:5-8, Psalm 37:4; Matt 7:7-11)
  3. God is always consistent with his character. I can be completely confident that God will do what he has promised.

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