Righteousness

Proverbs 15:29 - "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous."

James 5:16 - "...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available."

What does it mean to be righteous? Implicit in the above is that our prayers are more powerful as we are more righteous. Selfish ambition motivates one to try to be righteous so their prayers are answered, but being selfish, their prayers will be selfish and their heart self-centered. So despite ones best actions and behavior, they are still not righteous, having been betrayed by their heart.

This suggests righteousness is an attitude of the heart. Sincere love of God, pursuit of Jesus, and acceptance of the movings and workings of the Spirit transforms a person and causes them to be focused outward while their actions are fully righteous and completely unintentional.

In this state, we are selfless and while our prayers will be full of power, they will be focused upon others.