James 5:16b-18
~2 min read
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16a)
The word effectual means effective, the original Greek word (energeo) is from where we get our English word “energy.” The term availeth much means it is very strong. The prayer of a righteous man is effective because he relies on God’s power and his prayer is energised by the Holy Spirit. Weak prayers come from weak people, and strong prayers come from strong people!
James gave an example of the power of prayer, and that was Elijah’s prayer (vv.17-18). In those days, there was a devastating 3 ½ years of drought in Israel. Elijah prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth fruits. It was not because Elijah had some supernatural powers but simply he relied on God’s power and his prayer was energised by the Holy Spirit.
Dear children, when troubles and afflictions come into our lives, we must pray. But we must pray fervently and persistently, relying on God’s power, and trusting and believing that He alone is able to deliver us, and all things will work together according to His will (Romans 8:28). When we do that, our prayer will be energised by the Holy Spirit, and it will be powerful.
With love in Christ,
Pastor Paul Cheng
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