Every time the Apostle Paul talked about prayer, he spoke powerfully. He never hedged about prayer. In Ephesians 6:18 he taught us to pray in everycircumstance. In Romans he taught us to be faithful in prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16 he urges us to pray continually. Then, in our text for Sunday, he urges us to pray big prayers. Prayers for nations, kings and emperors.
I've known some true prayer warriors in my life, but if I look at myself, and as I hear from the people I serve, I know that our prayers, most of the time are seldom, are narrow, and are often small. Why is that? I did some research. The research found that for many people, during our time and throughout history, no matter if the person believes in God or not, people hold the belief that God only hears and answers your prayers if you are worthy of having your prayers heard.
I'm here to tell you that is 100% true. It is the prayer of the righteous person that God hears. So can you ever be sure that God hears your prayers? Or will you always have to wonder whether your life has been one that is worthy of being seen and heard?
In Christ, you can be sure that your prayers are heard. Here's how you can be sure:
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
The gospel is not a process. The gospel is a person. In Christ, your sins have not only been taken away, but Christ's righteousness has been added to you. In God's eyes, you are holy.
