Righteousness Consciousness: The Foundation of Effective Prayer

Daily Grace Devotional – September 3, 2025

Anchor Scriptures

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

“For the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16 (KJV)

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” – Philippians 3:9 (KJV)

Introduction

Many believers long to see their prayers answered, yet they struggle with uncertainty: “Will God hear me? Am I worthy enough? Have I done enough?” These questions reveal a lack of righteousness consciousness. Without this consciousness, prayer feels like throwing words into the air. But when you know that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, prayer becomes a bold, confident fellowship with your Father.

1. Righteousness is a Gift, Not a Reward

Righteousness is not earned through fasting, good works, or religious discipline; it is a divine gift that comes at the new birth. Romans 5:17 says, “They which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
👉 This means your effectiveness in prayer is not based on how long you have prayed or how much you have labored, but on the standing you have with God through Christ.

2. Why Righteousness Consciousness Matters in Prayer

James 5:16 does not say the prayer of a perfect man avails much; it says the prayer of a righteous man. But here’s the twist: if you are in Christ, you are that righteous man or woman.

Consciousness of Sin = Weak, Fearful Prayer

Consciousness of Righteousness = Bold, Effective Prayer

Hebrews 10:19 reminds us: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.” Prayer is not crawling into God’s presence with fear; it is walking in with boldness because the blood has made you worthy.

3. The Difference Between Righteousness and Holiness or Godliness

Righteousness is your position in Christ – unchanging, perfect, eternal.

Holiness is your daily walk – the outward fruit of your inward nature.

When you fall short in holiness, your righteousness is not canceled. Instead, you confess and move forward in grace (1 John 1:9). This understanding keeps you from living in condemnation and keeps your prayer life strong.

4. Righteousness Consciousness Transforms Prayer Life

When you are righteousness-conscious:

You pray with authority, not timidity (Luke 10:19).

You decree things with confidence (Job 22:28).

You expect answers, not silence (Mark 11:24).

You enjoy intimacy, not distance (Romans 8:15).

Prayer becomes a place of dominion rather than desperation.

5. Hindrance Removed: No More Guilt, No More Fear

Satan thrives on keeping believers in guilt and unworthiness because it robs them of confidence in prayer. But Romans 8:33–34 declares:
“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again…”
Beloved, you are justified. You are righteous. You are accepted.

Practical Step: Pray From Righteousness, Not For Righteousness

The next time you pray:

Don’t beg for acceptance – thank God for it.

Don’t plead for worthiness – declare your righteousness in Christ.

Don’t focus on feelings – focus on the Word.

Conclusion

Effective prayer begins with a firm consciousness of who you are in Christ: righteous, justified, accepted, and loved. This consciousness transforms prayer from a fearful plea to a powerful decree.

Confession / Prayer of Affirmation

Father, I thank You for making me the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I come boldly to the throne of grace, knowing that I am accepted and justified. My prayers avail much, and I walk in the confidence of answered prayer, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further Study

Romans 8:1-2
Isaiah 54:17
Hebrews 4:16
Romans 5:1

©️Jeremiah Owofio