Text: James 5:14-18
Memory Verse: “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available (dynamic in its working)” (James 5:16bAMPC).
Prayer is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, serving as our primary means of communicating with God. It is through prayer that we express our needs, seek guidance, and align our will with God’s. Prayer is earthly permission for heavenly interference. God would not do anything on the earth, except a man prays (Isaiah 45:11, Psalm 115:16).
James 5 introduced us to the power of prayer epitomised by the life of Prophet Elijah. With the power of prayer, he was able to dictate the course of nature. The Bible is also keen to remind us that “Elijah was a human being, even as we are.” This is to remind us that we can wield much power when confronted by circumstances and situations through prayer. There are some characteristics of powerful prayers:
Firstly, Powerful prayers are heartfelt. Our Lord Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane typified this in Luke 22:44, “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Someone said “Prayer that does not touch you, cannot touch God.” We are to pray with the whole of our being, if we are going to move the hand of God.
Secondly, powerful prayers are continued or persistent. He prayed until he got the answer, sign or note of victory (1 Kings 18:44). Elijah got his sign after the seventh time of praying and checking. The poor widow was persistent and she got her answer. We are not to let go in prayer, until we get our answers.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, make me a man of prayer.
2. Holy Spirit, help me, to always pray heartfelt prayers and be persistent in prayers.
