THURSDAY August 13, 2026
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 believers in the churches were going through many trials, sufferings and hardships. He directed them to pray for each other and for themselves, individually, so they could remain united. Then God moved among them, healing the sick according to His sovereign will.
The Bible speaks about different types of prayers. Christians are to pray in the name of Jesus and by faith (John 14:13; James 5:15). Remember, when we pray, it should be according to the will of God (1 John 5:14-15). Jesus taught His followers 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).
Listen, we need prayer to go before us as we go out into this wicked world. We will face people with hatred and anger in their hearts. We are living in dangerous times, so pray for your family’s protection. Job is a good example because he prayed for his family regularly (Job 1:5). Christians can also come together and pray in groups. God is right there in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20). Did you know that Christ’s disciples prayed for Peter, and he was released from prison? (Acts 12:5-17). God answers prayer.
When engaging in any type of prayer before God, you need to have a purity of heart (Psalm 51:10). If there is any sin in our lives, God will not answer, the line of communication is cut off: But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear (Isaiah 59:2). It is the righteous man––the man who stands boldly before the throne of God, because of the righteousness of Christ––whose prayers are most effective.
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
~Psalm 4:1~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
