Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Received by Those Who are Righteous

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The concept of answered prayer is a significant theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the relationship between God and those who live righteously. The Scriptures consistently affirm that God is attentive to the prayers of the righteous, highlighting the importance of living a life in accordance with His will.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous assurances that God hears and answers the prayers of the righteous. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 15:29 states, "The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." This verse underscores the distinction between the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing that God is attentive to those who live in accordance with His commandments.

Similarly, Psalm 34:15 declares, "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry." This imagery of God’s attentive eyes and ears illustrates His readiness to respond to the needs and petitions of the righteous.

Examples of Righteous Individuals

Several biblical figures exemplify the principle that God answers the prayers of the righteous. Elijah, a prophet known for his fervent faith, is a prime example. In James 5:16-18, it is written, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops." Elijah’s prayers were effective because of his righteous standing before God.

Another example is Daniel, whose unwavering faith and righteousness led to answered prayers. In Daniel 9:20-23, while Daniel was praying and confessing his sins and the sins of his people, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, saying, "At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed." Daniel’s righteousness and devotion to God resulted in immediate divine response.

Conditions for Answered Prayer

The Bible outlines certain conditions that align with righteousness, which are conducive to receiving answers to prayer. Faith is a critical component, as seen in Mark 11:24: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Faith, coupled with righteousness, creates a powerful dynamic for answered prayer.

Obedience to God’s commandments is another condition. In 1 John 3:22, it is stated, "And we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight." This verse links the keeping of God’s commandments with the assurance of answered prayer.

Additionally, humility and repentance are vital. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises, "If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land." This passage highlights the importance of a contrite heart and a turning away from sin as prerequisites for divine intervention.

New Testament Affirmations

The New Testament continues to affirm that the prayers of the righteous are effective. In 1 Peter 3:12, it is written, "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." This echoes the Old Testament assurance that God is attentive to the prayers of those who live righteously.

Jesus Himself taught about the power of prayer for those who abide in Him. In John 15:7, He states, "If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." This promise is contingent upon a close relationship with Christ and adherence to His teachings.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently affirms that God answers the prayers of the righteous. Through faith, obedience, humility, and a life aligned with God’s will, believers can confidently approach God, knowing that He is attentive to their prayers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 34:15
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... of God to give spiritual blessings to those that ask ... to obtain a wife for Isaac,
received a direct ... presented, who can doubt that God hears and answers prayer? ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... is renewed by the Holy Spirit, has received a new ... John gives the reason for answered
prayer in the passage ... set forth as the reason why He answers prayer, it is ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... try to embody answers to the letters I have received on this ... "The effectual fervent
prayer of a ... great mass of professing Christians do not get answers to their ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm

A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows
... As long as we have not consciously received the blessing ... is, Leave God to settle
how He answers your prayer. ... urged, or the conditions on which prayer is answered ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a sheaf of prayer arrows.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... Now, when your heart is loaded with praise for mercy received, let it run down the
incline, and draw up the ... You shall get your answers to prayer when you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

A Poor Man's Cry, and what came of It
... witnessing the most unmistakable instances of answers to prayer ... could no more doubt
the efficacy of prayer than I ... of Jesus I have asked and received; save only ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a poor mans cry and.htm

The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ...
... called the Qal vaChomer, light and heavy,' and answers to our ... referred not to what
he had received, but to ... Thus, the following prayer of a Rabbi is recorded: I ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the three last.htm

God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period.
... Then will be the time when God answers that prayer. ... God has blessed the earth with
abundant crops, but His mercies have been received without thanksgiving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 gods dealings with the.htm

Elucidations.
... be true; and I dare to affirm that marked answers to prayer, by providential ... may
be noted that the confusions of Latin Christianity received their character ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/elucidations.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... It is true, I went to church frequently, received the sacrament ... you have us be always
at prayer, and reading ... him, "They have no wine;" he answers, "Woman, what ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm