Powerful and Effective Prayer
Many believers admit that their greatest spiritual weakness is in the area of prayer.
I have heard this statement time and again. Why? Are they afraid to pray? Do they feel unworthy of speaking to God? Do they not think He listens and answers? Or do they not have the right Spiritual Index.
That is what Oswald Chambers calls it. (August 24th Devotional from My Utmost for His Highest).
“As a child of God I am good only as I walk in the light. …It is no use praying unless we are living as children of God.”
Those words resonated with me this morning.
Then I turned to the Bible study I am working through after my mission trip to Poland. It was on the same topic. Was this a God-incident? I think so.
Here are some thoughts on which to ponder.
Based on James 5: 17-18
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”
James tells us that this is an example of a righteous man that prays. Prayers can make a difference. Prayers are powerful. But we need to be in His will.
Righteous Christians are those who have confessed (read 1 John 1:9) and agreed with God about any personal sin revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. When we are cleansed from unrighteousness we are free to release our request to God and it will be powerful, effective and heard by Almighty God.
Righteousness is being right with God. We can’t whine and complain if we aren’t clearly working with Him. So I challenge you to talk to Him, get right with Him and then give Him your cares and concerns.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for hearing the prayers of the righteous. If there is any unconfessed sin in our hearts please reveal it to us. We thank You that our prayers can be powerful and effective. Thank You for this wonderful way to connect with You. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
