Righteous Prayers

“So when God destroyed the cities of the region, God honored Abraham’s request. He removed Lot from the midst of the destruction when he destroyed the cities Lot had lived in.” –Genesis 19:29, NET

Consider that Abraham’s prayers never mentioned Lot, and his bargain with God stopped too high a number (Gen 18:32). Yet God heard his heart and graciously plucked Lot out like a “fiery brand” (Zec 3:2). Though Abraham did not make an appearance in Sodom nor venture into the city in body, yet his heart was heard in heaven. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective,” (Jam 5:16).

“Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and there was no rain on the land for three years and six months! Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land sprouted with a harvest. My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” –James 5:17-20, NET

Notice, how do we “turn a sinner back from his wandering path”? What’s the subject of the passage? Prayer. It is with earnest prayer that we change hearts and save souls. Yes, we are to preach and proclaim (Mark 16:15; Rom 10:14)—but only the words God gives us (Rom 15:18; Mat 10:19; 1Th 2:13). Yes, we are to go (Mat 28:19)—wherever the Spirit takes us (Rom 8:14; ex: Acts 8:26). Yes, we are to be His witnesses—only after receiving the Spirit’s filling (Act 1:8). And how do all these things begin—prayer (especially together; Act 1:14). Kingdom minded prayers (Mat 6:9-13); constantly (1Th 5:17); in the Spirit (Eph 6:18); with unending persistence (Luke 18:1-8).

Teach ME to rightly pray, LORD.