THERE'S POWER

THERE'S POWER

READ:
James 5:13-18

The effective, fervent prayer
of a righteous man avails
much.  - James 5:16

When my sister found out she had cancer, I asked my friends to pray.  When she had surgery, we prayed that the surgeon would be able to remove all of the cancer and that she wouldn't have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation.  And God answered yes!  When I reported the news, one friend remarked, "I'm so glad there's power in prayer."  I responded, "I'm thankful that God answered with a yes this time."

James says that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (5:16).  But does "effective" and  "fervent" mean the harder we pray, or the more people we ask to pray, the more likely God is to answer with a yes?  I've had enough "no" and "wait" answers to wonder about that.

Prayer is powerful, but it's such a mystery.  We're taught to have faith, to ask earnestly and boldly, to persevere, to be surrendered to His will.  Yet God answers in His wisdom and His answers are best.  I'm just thankful that God wants to hear our hearts and that no matter the answer, He is still good.

I like Ole Hallesby's words:  "Prayer and helplessness are inseparable.  Only those who are helpless can truly pray....Your helplessness is your best prayers."  We can do helplessness quite well.  -Anne Cetas

Lord, I've been taught many things about prayer-be
specific, be bold, be surrendered, be strong in faith,
be persistent.  Today I recognize my helplessness and
Your power as I share my heart with You.  Amen.
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Prayer is the child's helpless cry
to the Father's attentive ear.

INSIGHT
James 5:13-18 is one of the more controversial passages in the New Testament.  While there is much debate about the practice of anointing with oil or healing, a couple of things are certain.  First, God works in response to the prayers of His people (v.16), even though we may not be able to explain it thoroughly.  While God is sovereign, He nonetheless responds to the heart-cries of His children.  Second, Elijah was not a spiritual superman, but a man like us-yet God did miraculous things when he prayed (v.17).  So take heart, God is listening.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace