Luke 18:1 He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
Prayer is text or pretext in context within the divine precepts. Jesus in the parable of “the widow and the unjust judge” portrayed prayer as court proceedings. The unjust judge adjourned the proceedings of the widow’s plea several times but the widow did not give up. She went back to him with her documents, evidence and petition to avenge her adversary. The unjust judge could not defer her case indefinitely but eventually granted her justice. Jesus concluded the parable by saying “Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily (Luke 18:7-8).
Prayer is like presenting our petition at the courtroom. In a court proceeding, the advocate would collect documents, evidence and witnesses to avenge our case. An attorney would search the law and pull out clauses that will bring justice and conclusion to our petition. The lawyer would quote precedent judgements to back up our plea. The argument must be within the legal legislation and written law to find justice. Similarly, our prayers must be within the precepts of our legal document, the Bible. We must not quote text out of context. The promises of God must be applied accurately and the conditions attached to the promises must be fulfilled. Prayer is nothing but quoting the scriptures, promises and pretexts within the context of divine precepts.
Prayers is not crying, pleading and emotional tantrums. Meaningful prayers are petitions in the divine courtroom before our “Just Judge” within the precepts quoting promises and precedents:
1. Precepts: Prayer made by those who break the law will not be heard. Petitions of those who have ‘known sin’, wilful disobedience and repetitive iniquity will not be heard in Heaven. We know that God does not listen to sinners (John 9:31). Those who violate divine principles, precepts and standards are disqualified from the courtroom of Heaven. Flamboyant words, superfluous language or emotional prayers will have no value if there is wilful violation of law and ‘known sin’ in our lives. Only prayer within the precepts will prevail.
2. Promises: God will never go back on what He has said. God is not a man, that He should lie (Number 23:19). When the Lord speaks, it becomes a decree, hence we must quote the promises in the Word of God back to Him in prayer. The Lord said to Jeremiah, I am watchful over my word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12). Being persistent and standing on the promises will unleash answers to our prayers. Prayer is repeating the promises of God back to Him.
3. Precedent: Prayer is petitioning with precedents. When praying for a child, remind God’s precedents of granting children to barren women (Sarah, Rebecca and Hannah). When praying for a financial breakthrough, remind God’s provision and abundance to Isaac during famine and recession. When praying for victory, remind Him of the triumph that He gave to David, Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah. Precedent judgements are a guide to current cases in a courtroom. Prayer is quoting precedents in support to our evidence.
Prayer is not an emotional drama or repetitive lamenting. It is a clear communication within the context and the commandments to receive answers, justice and vindication from the Lord. Prayer is nothing but a lucid presentation of our petition in the courtroom of Heaven.
James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to understand my legal standing in the Word, make bold and courageous petitions and present my problems based on the promises, precepts and precedents. Lord teach me how to pray. Amen
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