The Prayer of Faith

 “And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”

(Matthew 8:2 ESV)

When it comes to our prayers, and when it comes to the blessings we seek from God, some troublesome attitudes become quickly apparent. We, for example, often come to God in a demanding manner. We approach him, insisting that he do for us as we ask.

We regard him as though he were the creation, rather than the creator. We regard him as though he is our servant rather than our being his. And we regard him as if our will and desires take precedence over his own.

On other occasions, we approach him as if he’s reluctant to help. We approach him as if he’s resistant to provide his help. And we approach him as if he has to be persuaded or coerced into helping.

We sometimes approach him, believing that his blessings can be bought. We approach him, attempting to barter for his blessings. We approach him, offering some kind of payment for his blessings or to reciprocate in some way.

Still other times, we approach him as if his ability to help is in question. We approach him, wondering if our need is too great or if our problem is too big for him to handle. We approach him uncertain of his power or strength.

Considering all of the ways we approach him, and the improper attitudes that we express, we can learn much from the leper who approached Jesus in the eighth chapter of Matthew. We can learn much from the way in which he presented his request to him. We can learn from the simple words expressed in the passage above.

He came to Jesus, we’re told, and knelt before him. And he said to Jesus, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”

We see, first of all, that he addressed Jesus for who he is. He addressed him as Lord. He recognized that Jesus is God in the flesh.

He recognized also Jesus’ power to grant the blessing he desired. He recognized Jesus’ ability to meet his need. There is no hint of doubt in his words.

Finally, he left his request in Jesus’ hands. He understood that his prayer would be answered according to Jesus’ will. And he believed that, whatever Jesus desired, is best.

We then see Jesus’ response. Jesus said to him, “I will; be clean.” Jesus answered this leper’s prayer because it was in accordance with his will. And he did so, having the power to provide this blessing.

It’s clear, from this, that the leper’s request flowed from his faith in Christ. He didn’t believe Jesus’ blessing to result from his own effort. Nor did he imply that his wisdom surpassed that of Jesus. He entrusted his need to Jesus, knowing that he could do the very thing he was asked, while also believing that the will of Jesus was best.