Two important pillars of prayer are God’s faithfulness and righteousness. David begins Psalm 143 by touching on both these foundational matters. He writes: “Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous” (vv. 1-2).
Because of God’s faithfulness, prayer is a blessing. What a spiritual boon it is to know: God hears; God cares; God is trustworthy.
Because of God’s righteousness, prayer is a privilege. It is not an entitlement; it is not an inherent, inalienable right; it is not something we deserve or have earned.
God went to great lengths to place a “High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” for us in His presence (Hebrews 6:19-20). It is only because of the riches of God’s wisdom, grace, and mercy that there now is an unchangeable High Priesthood so that we have One who “always lives to make intercession” for us (Hebrews 7;24-25). Therefore, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just (or righteous—jhc) to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Thank God for His faithfulness and righteousness.
