The aim when we pray is to achieve results according to the will of God. Have you ever wondered why the answers to some of your prayers are not manifesting? We are not talking about prayers that do not line up with the will of God but prayers that are based on scripture and prayers that you know God has answered but you have not received the tangible evidence of those prayers being answered. There are several reasons that we may not see the manifestation of the answers to their prayer.
James 5:16b (NIV) reminds us that "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." This verse tells us that if we want our prayers to be effective and cause heaven to operate on our behalf righteousness is key. In this text, the phrase "righteous person" provides the criteria or speaks to the character of the person whose prayers are effective. The psalmist confirms in Psalm 84:11b (KJV) that "no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
What does it mean "to be righteous" or "walk uprightly." It means being intentionally obedient to God's commandments and Laws. As we prepare to engage in effectual prayer we must ensure that we are doing what is right based on the knowledge and will of God. Walking uprightly involves more than just changing our behaviours and habits; there must be a deep cleansing of our hearts as we acknowledge the principles/commandments of God and the
deep impact disobedience has on our relationship with Him.
Being righteous or upright reflects a deep-rooted desire to do what is right which motivates us to distance ourselves from sin. Rebellion against sin base on conviction from the Holy Spirit leads to submission to righteousness. The more we distance our selves from sinful practices the closer we are drawn to God. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9). When we confess our sins the Holy Spirit transformations our hearts.
We are incapable of being righteous on our own; "our righteousness is as filthy rags." We need to adopt the righteousness of God by accepting the finished work of the cross. (Romans 3:22). By obedience, we yield to God who transforms us through His Son Jesus
whose Blood speaks righteousness for us. "For our sake he made him be sin who knew no sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is the act of being transformed by Jesus' righteousness that puts us in the position for our prayers to be effective.
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