Scripture: James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much..
Relevant Definitions: righteous: acting in an upright, moral way
Effectual: producing or capable of producing an intended effect
Fervent: having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling enthusiasm
Devotion: If there is a Christianity 101 course, I'm sure it would include a section on prayer. Prayer is one of the foundations we learn as a believer. We petition God with our request and sit back and wait for the answer. In the infant stages of christianity, prayers are answered like freshly popped popcorn. You pray today and the answer is here tomorrow, but as you mature things change. The occurrence of answered prayers seems to lengthen in time as a new challenge begins.
This passage of scripture challenges our ability to pray. If the effectual fervent prayers avail then this indicates to me that there are prayers that are of the opposite spectrum. Then what is the difference? In order to be effective there must be production. Not only will you yield answered prayers, but you will do so with burning intensity. There is a passion, a fire, an expectancy present with these petitions. This person is focused, full of faith, and knows the voice of God. It's easy to pray for your desires, but in order to be effective you must learn to pray that which the Father says. Remember, Jesus said, "I only say what the Father says." (John 12:49 ) If Jesus listens to his Father's voice then we must do the same. We must learn the art of silence and stillness that produces a more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. As you learn this discipline, you will begin to know his voice. Once you are confident in his voice, you will pray with boldness knowing his word will accomplish that which pleases him.(Isaiah 55:11) You will reap the benefits of knowing and releasing his word.
This week as you enter into your quiet time, aim to expand your ability to be silent and still. May you only repeat what you hear the Father saying and may you reap the fruit of your labors.
Reflection: Are your prayers effective and fervent? Take the time and ask the Holy Spirit where your prayers need to expand and grow. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into deeper intimacy that leads to deep communion and answered prayers.
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the tool of prayer. We thank you that you have not only given us the ability to pray, but also to hit the bullseye every time. Help us to discipline ourselves in a new way that will produce seeds of prayer that reap a bountiful harvest.
Written by Petrina Milan
No comments:
Post a Comment