The Power of PrayerJames 5:16b-18
16b "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."
Previously, James talks about all sorts of different prayers. He says if you're suffering, then pray. Cheerful? Pray. Sick? Pray. But why? Because prayer is powerful. But not all prayers are powerful. Here's three things about a powerful prayer:
- A powerful prayer is prayed by a righteous person. A righteous person is someone who is a Christian and wants what God wants.
- A powerful prayer is effective. Effective prayers may not always be answered in the affirmative, but they will be beneficial.
- A powerful prayer can be prayed by someone just like you and me. Prayer is not just for spiritual leaders; it's for all who pray fervently.