WEDNESDAY February 5, 2020
Effective Prayer
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16
James knew the believers were going through many trials and sufferings. He directed them to pray for one another and for themselves, individually, so they could remain steadfast. They could share in confidence with a trusted person what they were going through––then pray together.
The Bible speaks about different types of prayer. Christians are to pray in the name of Jesus and by faith. Remember, when we pray, it should be according to the will of God. Jesus taught believers to pray in secret––in their closets––waiting on God:
“…when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6).
As Christians go out into the world, they will face people with hate and anger in their hearts. We are living in dangerous times, so it is important to pray for our family’s protection. Job prayed for his family regularly (Job 1:5). Christians can also come together and pray in groups, knowing God is right there in the midst of them. Christ’s disciples prayed for Peter, and he was released from prison (Acts 12:5-17).
We can also stand to pray in public, but understand, there are personal requirements to be met when engaging in any type of prayer before God. There needs to be a purity of heart––a cleanness. If there is any sin in our lives, God will not answer––the line of communication is shut. The truth of this is found in Isaiah 59:2: But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. In comparison, what a beautiful thing it is to come to God with the right heart and mind. Then what happens? God will hear and answer our prayers.
But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
~Psalm 66:19~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!