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Acceptable Prayer (John 9:31) Does what the healed blind man mean anything and what can we learn about prayer from such a statement? |
Acceptable Prayer (John 9:31)
- Does the statement carry any weight?
- We must recognize that it is not an inspired comment but was recorded by inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16-17; not all statements made in the Bible are inspired or factual — just consider Satan’s comments in Gen. 3 & Matt. 4).
- But his comment still speaks the truth (Ps. 34:15-16; Prov. 15:29) and shows the inconsistencies of the Pharisees toward Jesus and His Works.
- As such he was simply applying Bible knowledge, the same we are to do (James 1:22; 2 Tim. 2:2; Neh. 8:8).
- What can we learn about prayer from such a statement? Answer: not all prayers are acceptable to God.
- Acceptable prayers come from those seeking God’s Will.
- Ultimately prayer is a spiritual blessing for those in Christ (Eph. 1:3; Heb. 4:16; 1 Tim. 2:5; 1 Pet. 3:12).
- The only exception found are those who are in the process of seeking God (1 Kings 8:33-34ff; Isa. 59:1-2 & 1:18; Acts 10:30-33; Acts 9:8-11; 22:16).
- Acceptable prayers are according to His will (1 Jn 5:14; Matt. 6:10; Lk. 22:42; 1 Cor. 4:19, 16:7; James 4:13-15).
- Acceptable prayers are offered in faith (James 1:6-7; see also Acts 12:12-17—do we expect what we ask for?).
- Acceptable prayers have a right goal (James 4:2-3); why should we expect from God that which is contrary to His nature or will?
Let us have confidence God will hear such a prayer!
