The Power of Prayer

Scripture:
James 5:16 (NASB)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Devotional:

There are times in my life when it seems my prayers go unanswered.  As a matter of fact Garth Brooks sings a song Unanswered Prayers.  In it he is thanking God for all the unanswered prayers in his life.  He states in the song that those unanswered prayers were some of the best gifts God gave him.  There are several of those so called unanswered prayers I am thankful for.

What about the other prayers?  Are our prayers going unanswered because of something in us?  James 5:16 starts out by telling us to confess our sins.  Sin can block our prayers in both directions.  Sometimes we get in our own way when we pray.  Confessing of our sin and repenting doesn’t mean we are completely sinless thereafter.  Until we are with Christ in heaven we will continue to sin.  This does not mean we can purposefully sin.  No we must strive to be sin free in all we do and where we go.  But unconfessed sins become burdens in our lives.  We weigh ourselves down until we become ineffective.  Think of it like this.  For every unconfessed sin we carry a fist sized rock.  One rock doesn’t seem to be a big deal.  However, after time and with more rocks added to the pile eventually we will not be able to lift the load.  Confessing our sins removes the rocks.  We become cleansed and renewed.

The next thought I have, is what are we praying for?  Is what I am praying for in line with God’s will?  Am I praying for selfish reasons, or gains?  If your child asks for something to eat, you are likely to give them something.  If however, they just want candy and they ask for candy instead of something nutritious you may not give it to them.  Instead you might give them something healthy, if anything.  After all it might be too close to supper time.  If we ask God for something that is in His will we will receive what we ask for.  If not then the answer might be a no or instead how about this.  

The power of prayer can change the world.  By praying for one another we offer up strength, guidance, and support.  Intercessory prayers will directly affect those you pray for.  By praying for one another there is healing, comfort, and direct effects.  We pray for healing, or for God to be with someone going through tough times.  We pray for those going through legal battles.  We pray for those whose finances are in trouble.  We pray for…  Those prayers are answered and lives are changed.  Without them the person might not be healed, or things might go badly.  God will intervene and step in.  He will send the Holy Spirit.  He will make a difference.  He will answer all prayers.

Are you praying?  Are your prayers being answered?  True power comes through prayer.  Through our prayers we can change the world.  We can change lives.  We can make a difference…