Prayers that Work

Hands of Prayer

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NIV

The Bible says that God acts on the prayers of a righteous man.

They are powerful and effective because they are said in the humility and reverence of one who is totally dependent on God. They are said by one who is cleansed and guilt free having confessed and repented to both God and others; the only path to true forgiveness through which broken relationships can be restored. They are also not said out of selfishness but are made in consideration of others.

They are also powerful and effective because they are based on the will of God and the promises He has made. They are made in full assurance that what God has promised He will fulfill. A will is effectual after death, and God’s will is achieved through the death of His son Jesus Christ who is also God. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20.  A righteous man therefore approaches God not with anxiety but with thankfulness in the faith that God will answer prayer.

The prayers of a righteous man are also powerful and effective because they are based not on entitlement and worth but in a contrite spirit that persistently petitions God’s mercy. The grace of God is not earned and is based on the righteousness of God through the blood of Christ. “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” Psalm 103:11

*****

The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him. William McGill

*****