The Prayer God Reckons With

Memory Verse: "...The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with." (Jms.5:16, MSG)

Scripture Reading: Jms.5:13-18.

There is a force that's released from heaven to earth when a man in right standing with God prays- effectively and fervently.

Some people approach prayer as if it were just a polite greeting card. Something nice to do. A few sentences filled with pleasant thoughts. Perhaps an obligation. Something they feel they should do.

But the bible describes a different kind of prayer with its foundation in righteousness. This kind of prayer is described as, "effective, fervent prayer avails much." It can accomplish great things. It can open doors. It can lead to real change and even miracles! This is the prayer God reckons with.

How do we experience this life-changing prayer? The bible tells us that this prayer must be "effective" and "fervent." However, in the original Greek, there is only one word. It is the source of the English word, "energy."

Here we see a real key to the prayer God reckons with. This isn't a ritual or a routine, but it actually releases spiritual energy. It moves heaven and earth. Fervent, energetic prayer enables us to be strong, have the power to do extraordinary deeds, and overcome obstacles.

The bible also makes clear that anyone can generate this impact from their prayers. It is available to everyone who believes. Elijah had a "nature like ours." He was human and made mistakes like the rest of us. Yet when he "prayed earnestly," great things happened.

The good news is that the power to generate impact from your prayer altar is available to you. Praying with energy and intensity is the key. Pray, believing that God can do anything. That there is nothing too hard for Him. That all things are possible for those who have faith.

Right now, bring your needs to God with a new kind of commitment, faith and energy. Pray earnestly. Believe that His Word is true. Have faith. And keep praying.

Ponder Point: Prayer will become effective when we stop using it as a substitute for obedience.

Action Point: Live in total obedience to God. Pray effectively and fervently.

Prayer Point: Father, help me build a robust prayer life so I can be empowered to generate impact on the altar of prayer in Jesus name, Amen.