Effective Prayer in a World of Sin and Corruption
Effective Prayer in a World of Sin and Corruption
The concept of effective prayer is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the importance of righteous living and a genuine relationship with God. Jesus' prayer in John 17:15 illustrates this, as he prays not for the removal of believers from the world but for their protection from the evil one [1]. This petition underscores the reality of living in a world marred by sin and corruption, where believers are not immune to its influences.
The biblical narrative is replete with references to the pervasive nature of sin. Micah 7:3 describes a society where leaders and judges are corrupt, and the powerful dictate evil desires [3]. This portrayal highlights the challenges believers face in maintaining their integrity and righteousness. The Psalmist cries out for God to end the evil of the wicked and to establish the righteous, underscoring the tension between good and evil [2].
Effective prayer, according to James 5:16, is characterized by the "insistent prayer of a righteous person" which is "powerfully effective" [4]. The term "effectual" or "availeth much" in James 5:16, as noted by Easton's Bible Dictionary, signifies a prayer that is fervent and persistent, moving God's hand [5]. This understanding is crucial in a world where sin and corruption are prevalent, as it emphasizes the believer's role in seeking God's intervention through prayer.
The Presbyterian interpretation of 1 John 3:8 highlights the distinction between those who commit sin and those who do righteousness, attributing the former to being of the devil and the latter to being of God [7]. This dichotomy underscores the moral and spiritual struggle believers face. The commentary on Proverbs 30:8 further elucidates that sinful acts are a manifestation of vanity and a departure from God's ways [6].
In the context of sin and corruption, prayer is not merely a ritual but a powerful tool for transformation. Jesus' prayer for his disciples in John 17:15 is instructive, as he seeks their protection from the evil one rather than their removal from the world [1]. This prayer demonstrates that effective prayer acknowledges the reality of evil and seeks divine protection and empowerment to withstand it.
The Nonconformist/Puritan perspective, as represented by Matthew Henry's commentary on John 17:11, emphasizes that Jesus' prayers for his disciples were focused on spiritual blessings, including being kept from sin and furnished for their duty [9]. This focus is crucial in understanding effective prayer, as it prioritizes spiritual well-being over temporal gains.
The Baptist/Reformed interpretation, as seen in John Gill's commentary on Matthew 6:13, views the petition "lead us not into temptation" as a request to be kept from the power of temptation, rather than the absence of temptation itself [10]. This understanding is vital in a world of sin and corruption, where believers are inevitably exposed to temptations. It highlights the importance of praying for strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Protestant academic perspective on Psalms 19:13 notes that deliberate sins are committed with an attitude of insolence or arrogance, emphasizing the need for believers to acknowledge and repent of their sins [8]. This acknowledgment is a precursor to effective prayer, as it involves recognizing one's sinfulness and seeking God's forgiveness and guidance.
Sources
- John “I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. -- John 17:15”
- Psalms “Psalms 7:9 (YLT) — Let, I pray Thee be ended the evil of the wicked, And establish Thou the righteous, And a trier of hearts and reins is the righteous God.”
- Micah “Their hands are on that which is evil to do it diligently. The ruler and judge ask for a bribe; and the powerful man dictates the evil desire of his soul. Thus they conspire together. -- Micah 7:3”
- James “Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. -- James 5:16”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Effectual prayer — Occurs in Authorized Version, James 5:16. The Revised Version renders appropriately: "The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working", i.e., "it moves the hand of Him who moves the world."”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 17:11: After the general pleas with which Christ recommended his disciples to his Father's care follow the particular petitions he puts up for them; and, 1. They all relate to spiritual blessings in heavenly things. He does not pray that they might be rich and great in the world, that they might raise estates and get preferments, but that they might be kept from sin, and furnished for their duty, and brought safely to heaven. Note, The prosperity of the soul is the best prosperity; for what relates to this Christ came to purchase and bestow, and so teaches us to seek, in ”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 6:13: And lead us not into temptation,.... Such a petition as this is often to be observed in the prayers of the Jews (a), , "do not lead me" neither into sin, nor into transgression and iniquity, , "nor into temptation", or "into the hands of temptation";'' that is, into the power of it, so as to be overcome by it, and sink under it; in which sense the phrase is to be understood here. We are not here taught to pray against temptations at all, or in any sense, for they are sometimes needful and useful; but that they may not have the power over us, and destroy us. There”