Confident trust in God is essential to effective prayer (James 1:6). Because Jehovah’s hand is not shortened and His ear is not heavy so that He cannot hear (Isaiah 59:1), David was confident that when he called upon Jehovah, He would incline His ear and hear his speech, “for You will hear me, O God” (Psalm 17:6). What blessed assurance!
According to Psalm 17:7-12, the fervent prayer of the righteous is effective because:
- Jehovah’s marvelous lovingkindness delivers those who trust in Him. “Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them” (v. 7).
- Jehovah’s intense concern protects from genuine hostility. “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings, from the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me. They have closed up their fat hearts; with their mouths they speak proudly. They have now surrounded us in our steps; they have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth, as a lion is eager to tear his prey and like a young lion lurking in secret places” (vv. 8-12).
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears” (Psalm 34:17). This is why the fervent prayer of a righteous man is effective.
It’s that simple.
