THE CENTURION’S PRAYER

The Bible suggests several conditions for successful praying.

First, we are to pray in accordance with God’s will. “This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).

Second, we are to pray with His authority. “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13–14).

Third, for our prayers to be most effective, we should be living in a right relationship to the One who answers our requests. “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). “We have confidence before God ²² and receive whatever we ask from him because we keep his commands and do what is pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:21–22).

Fourth, we’re encouraged to pray in concert with other believers. “Truly I tell you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19).

Finally, we are to pray faithfully. Jesus said, “I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). A Roman centurion illustrated this kind of faithfully praying.

When the powerful officer’s servant became “sick and about to die” (Luke 7:2), the centurion sent an envoy to Jesus, pleading with Jesus “to come and save the life of his servant” (Luke 7:3). When Jesus approached the house, the centurion sent another delegation saying, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it” (Luke 7:6-8)

Notice three things. First, the officer’s humility. “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.”

Second, see the centurion’s clear understanding of Jesus’ absolute authority and sovereignty. “If you give the command, it will be done! You’re the boss!”

And third, notice his faith. “Say the word, and my servant will be healed.”

Did Jesus answer the prayers of a Gentile… a Roman soldier? Of course! “When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health” (Luke 7:10).