Prayer is Powerful!
One of the most encouraging passages about prayer in the Scriptures reads: “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16b NASB). Concerning the meaning of “effective,” Barnes wrote, “The word effectual (KJV) is not the most happy translation here, since it seems to do little more than to state a truism - that a prayer which is effectual is availing - that is, that it is effectual. The Greek word (ἐνεργουμένη, energoumenē) would be better rendered by the word energetic, which indeed is derived from it. The word properly refers to that which has power; which in its own nature is fitted to produce an effect. It is not so much that it actually does produce an effect, as that it is fitted to do it. This is the kind of prayer referred to here. It is not listless, indifferent, cold, lifeless, as if there were no vitality in it, or power, but that which is adapted to be efficient - earnest, sincere, hearty, persevering.”
To sum that up in an easier to swallow way, James says that the sincere, purposeful prayer of a righteous person, delivered to God in the expectation of an answer (Mark 11:24) is very powerful. Its power is not in the prayer itself, as if the words had some mystical quality, but in the fact that it is an address to an all-powerful, willing God. Christian prayer is powerful, because God Almighty answers it!
Of course, God does not listen to the prayers of sinners (John 9:31), and ultimately only Christians have the blessing of Jesus as mediator (and thus the guarantee that God hears us - 1 Tim 2:5; 2 Cor 1:20), so here is one of many reasons to become a Christian.
All over the world there are pressing issues that cause us to seek answers and solutions. All who fear God must strengthen our resolve to deal justly with all men, to be pure, and remain true–to do everything in our power to make the world a good place. But, there are many things that are or seem beyond our control. Let’s all renew our commitment to energetic prayer, remembering: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV). “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV).
Yes, amen!
—JLP
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Something that I do when my prayers are stale and unenergetic is write my prayers in a prayer journal before I say them. I have found that technique to help a lot.
Me too Gary, but I “prayer journal” whether my prayers are stale or not. Thanks for the comment. I hope more of our brethren will start keeping a spiritual journal of one sort or another.
—JLP