Topical Bible: Holiness: Required in Prayer

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Holiness is a fundamental attribute of God and a requisite for those who seek to approach Him in prayer. The concept of holiness in prayer emphasizes the need for purity, reverence, and a heart aligned with God's will. The Bible consistently underscores the importance of holiness as a prerequisite for effective communication with the Divine.

Biblical Foundation

The call to holiness is rooted in the very nature of God. Leviticus 11:44 declares, "For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." This divine standard extends to all aspects of life, including prayer. The psalmist echoes this sentiment in Psalm 24:3-4 , asking, "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully."

Holiness and the Heart

The heart's condition is paramount in prayer. Proverbs 15:29 states, "The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." This verse highlights the necessity of righteousness, which is intrinsically linked to holiness. A heart that harbors sin or deceit cannot expect to commune effectively with a holy God. Isaiah 59:2 warns, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear."

The Role of Repentance

Repentance is a crucial step in aligning oneself with God's holiness. 1 John 1:9 assures believers, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This cleansing is essential for maintaining a holy posture in prayer. The act of repentance not only restores fellowship with God but also purifies the heart, making it receptive to His presence and guidance.

Holiness in the New Testament

The New Testament continues to emphasize holiness in the context of prayer. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, teaches the importance of sincerity and purity in prayer. Matthew 6:6 instructs, "But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." This passage underscores the need for genuine, humble, and holy communication with God.

Furthermore, the Apostle Peter reiterates the call to holiness in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This exhortation applies to all aspects of the Christian life, including prayer, where holiness is both a command and a privilege.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of holiness in prayer. His life and ministry were marked by a profound commitment to holiness, as seen in His frequent retreats to solitary places for prayer (Mark 1:35). His prayers were characterized by submission to the Father's will, as demonstrated in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Abba, Father," He said, "all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will" (Mark 14:36).

Conclusion

Holiness is indispensable in the life of prayer. It is through holiness that believers can approach God with confidence, knowing that their prayers are heard and answered according to His perfect will. The pursuit of holiness, therefore, is not only a command but a vital aspect of a vibrant and effective prayer life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 2:8
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether we Ought to Pray for Others?
... Now one of the conditions required for prayer that it ... charity, according to
Ps.34:13, "My prayer shall be ... just that they may persevere and advance in holiness. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether we ought to pray 2.htm

The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833.
... choice; [2077] being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the ... it utterly
excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust ...
/.../the new hampshire baptist confession.htm

Twenty-Seventh Day. Holiness and Service.
... and the service is more direct and entire, so the holiness required is higher and ...
Let every thought of holiness, every act of faith or prayer, every effort ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-seventh day holiness and service.htm

Of Prayer
... In general, faith is required. 12. ... passages of Scripture, which show that acceptable
prayer is accompanied ... we are not possessed of the same holiness as other ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/of prayer.htm

1 John ii. 1, 2
... all a complete realization of the perfect holiness required by the ... shall be like
him in perfect holiness, to whom ... Holy Spirit in answer to his prayer (John 14 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 1 2.htm

The Prayer of Faith is the Only Power in the Universe to which the ...
... of praying are the conditions of righteousness, holiness and salvation ... Prayer is
a trade to be learned ... care, much thought, practice and labour are required to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter v the prayer of.htm

Baptists.
... but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law ... that
it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, prayer, praise, trust ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/baptists.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... 5. This is his chief prayer and desire for them and ... something more than a good beginning
is required, and the ... much of its own wisdom and holiness and seeking ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

The Climax of all Prayer
... of rebukes to our actual attainments in holiness and in ... as to the means by which
this prayer may be ... There is another condition that is required, and that is ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the climax of all prayer.htm

Prayer to the Most High
... Unchangeable in His Being, Wisdom, Power, Holiness, Justice, Goodness ... of mind and
heart that enter into prayer. ... to appear before Me, who hath required this at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xv prayer to the most.htm