The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16b
God promises all believers that if we live righteously and pray fervently, our prayers will be effective and produce significant results. How do we treat a promise like this? We might argue, “But I do pray, and nothing happens!” Our problem is that we do not hold ourselves accountable to the Scripture. God’s Word says that prayer ought to accomplish much. If our prayer life is not accomplishing much, what should we do? If we are praying but seeing no results, should we conclude that this promise is untrue? Should we excuse this Scripture as impractical and unrealistic? Or should we examine ourselves to see if we meet its conditions?
James says that fervent prayer avails much. Could it be that we are not as fervent in our praying as we should be? Fervent prayer means we do not quit easily. Fervent prayer means we purposefully spend sufficient time in intercession. Fervent prayer means we cry out to the Father, sometimes in tears, with our heart and soul. Fervent prayer comes as the Holy Spirit assists us in praying with groanings too deep for words (Rom. 8:26).
According to James, our righteousness will ensure effective prayer. God’s standard of righteousness is different from ours, for He looks beyond our actions, even beyond our thoughts, directly to our hearts. How then should we hold ourselves accountable if our prayers are accomplishing little? If nothing happens when we pray, the problem is not with God. The problem is with us, for God’s word is absolutely reliable. If we adhere to what God requires, He will lead us to pray for things that align with His purposes, and God will answer our prayers in a mighty way.
8 Comments
Jack
July 10
Holy God I pray that I can pray in accordance with Your purpose, and Your Will… I pray that when I pray to You that my prayers are acceptable to You, and are in alignment with Your Will and Desire…🙏🏻
Kenneth
July 12
Amen
Angela
September 26
Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my jeart ne acceptable in thy sight.
Oh Lord, my strength, amd my Redeemer.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen🙏
Angela
September 26
Forgive me for the misspelled words🙏
Raymond Victoria
October 16
Oh Lord give me an effective and fervent prayer Life
lynette sandelin
April 18
Heavenly Father we honor and adore you we thank your for your grace kindness and love given to us daily.
W. Manning
March 27
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, please forgive me i
of my daily sins, and count me worthy to escape temptations and the fires of hell. Help me to pray fervent and effectual prayers in accordance to your Holy will. Forgive me as I forgive others. Have mercy on me, O Lord, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
JVC
July 9
Oh Lord, help me on my journey, help me on my way!!!
AMEN, AMEN, and AMEN!!! 🙏🏼🤲🏻
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