As Your word is before me, Father, I would ask that You open its truths to me. May I glean from it the wisdom You have instilled in it. Implant it in my heart. May it flourish and bear fruit in my life. Amen.
James 5:13-18 (<<click here)
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” v16b
The importance of prayer is obvious and as Paul admonishes us, we must “never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 That seems like a formidable task, especially when we think of positions in which we pray – eyes closed and head bowed in church or at home. How can we possibly “never stop praying”? The act of prayer is essential but our position of prayer is fluid.
Lord, You commanded us in Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”
Growing up my family made a point of beginning every long distance trip with prayer. We all would bow our heads and close our eyes and my father, our driver, would say that he would, “Watch and pray.”
So in life, we can pray in absolutely any circumstance – anytime, anywhere, with anyone, or all alone. But regardless of the when’s and the where’s, regardless of the position of our bodies, one thing that is of utmost importance is the condition of our souls.
In James’ statement if our prayers are to be effective we must be “righteous” which is a state of being right with God. We must be justified before God – we must be recipients of His forgiveness. To be justified communicates that idea that we are placed in a position in which it can be said that it is “just as if I’d” never sinned.
Lord, if I am to be effective in my prayers for You I must be diligent about keeping myself in right standing before You. Help me to keep myself pure. If I stumble or fall may I immediately ask for forgiveness. May I be the child You need me to be and may my prayers produce “wonderful results.” Amen.
Oct 10th, Mon, 6:23 am
