In a previous post I asked, “What is prayer?” Now I want to ask, “What is powerful prayer?”When I think of the power of prayer, I go to James 5:16 —
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
The context of James 5:16 gives examples of powerful prayer.
- “the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well” (James 5:15) — physical healing
- “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16) — spiritual healing
- “prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain … Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain” (James 5:17-18) — phenomenal change in nature
- “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20) — transformation of the heart
How easy it is to pull on the example of Elijah praying for God to do the miraculous in the natural realm … obviously what could be considered powerful prayer. Praying for physical healing? — Again, certainly an answer to that request would cause us to say “powerful prayer.”
Notice, however, the other examples in the context of James 5:16 — spiritual healing. Let’s not minimize these results. Both moving a mountain or moving a heart require God’s power.
Remember that the same Elijah whose powerful prayer resulted in a phenomenal change in the course of nature also had this experience:
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:11-12)
God’s answer came in the “gentle whisper.”
Let’s not get discouraged when we don’t see obvious or spectacular results. That doesn’t mean praying isn’t effective. Prayer is just as powerful when God is working behind the scenes, out of view to the human eye. To be used by God through our prayers in a person being saved from spiritual (eternal) death or to become spiritually healthy is powerful!!
Church leaders, read more about the power of prayer looking at James 5:16 from a different angle and its implications for leadership: God’s Power for the Church – Prayer
Knowing in your heart that your prayers will be answered, in Jesus’ name and in God’s Will, is having power in your prayers. Further, it is knowing that even when you are so weary that you find yourself unable to think clearly what you need to pray about…the Holy Spirit will “groan” for you. Now that is powerful prayer.
Amen! What blessed assurances we have, Winston, that bring comfort, peace, and hope in His name … powerful indeed! Thanks. It isn’t just what happens outwardly but inwardly as well.