Topical Encyclopedia Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a means of communication with God. One of the profound dimensions of prayer is pleading in the righteousness of God. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that believers, through faith, can appeal to God's righteous nature and His covenant promises.Biblical Foundation The righteousness of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting His perfect moral nature and His faithfulness to His promises. In prayer, believers are encouraged to plead based on this divine righteousness, trusting in God's character and His commitment to justice and mercy. In the Old Testament, the psalmists often appeal to God's righteousness in their prayers. For instance, in Psalm 143:1, David cries out, "O LORD, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. In Your faithfulness and righteousness, answer me." Here, David appeals to God's righteousness as the basis for his plea, trusting that God's nature will lead to a just response. Similarly, in Daniel 9:18, Daniel prays, "Give ear, my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy." Daniel acknowledges that it is not human righteousness that compels God to act, but His own righteous and merciful nature. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the righteousness of God is further revealed through Jesus Christ. Believers are justified and made righteous through faith in Him, as stated in Romans 3:22, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." The Apostle Paul emphasizes the believer's access to God through Christ's righteousness in Philippians 3:9, "And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith." This righteousness becomes the foundation upon which Christians can confidently approach God in prayer. Practical Application Pleading in the righteousness of God involves recognizing one's own insufficiency and relying wholly on God's perfect nature. It is an acknowledgment that human merit is inadequate, and only through God's righteousness can one find favor and grace. In prayer, believers are encouraged to: 1. Acknowledge God's Righteousness: Begin by recognizing God's perfect nature and His faithfulness to His promises. This sets the tone for a humble and reverent approach to prayer. 2. Confess Human Limitations: Admit personal shortcomings and the inability to achieve righteousness through human effort. This confession aligns the believer with the truth of God's grace. 3. Appeal to God's Character: Make requests based on God's righteous character, trusting that He will act in accordance with His nature. This appeal is rooted in faith and the assurance of God's unchanging promises. 4. Seek Alignment with God's Will: Pleading in God's righteousness involves a desire to align one's requests with His will, seeking outcomes that reflect His glory and purpose. Conclusion Pleading in the righteousness of God is a profound aspect of prayer that underscores the believer's reliance on God's perfect nature. It is an act of faith that acknowledges God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice and mercy. Through this approach, believers can find assurance and peace, knowing that their prayers are grounded in the eternal and righteous character of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 9:16O LORD, according to all your righteousness, I beseech you, let your anger and your fury be turned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people are become a reproach to all that are about us. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book. Prayer and Humility God Has Everything to do with Prayer Young Man! a Prayer for You Prayer and Obedience Prayerless Christians Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer... The Privilege of Prayer Psalm CXLIII. True Prayer --True Power! Resources Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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