Praying with Results

"The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." (James 5:16)

James was the half brother of Jesus and he earned the nickname "Camel Knees" because of the callouses on his knees from praying. He goes on in the next verse to cite Elijah as example of a man who was effective in praying. Elijah stood before the wicked King Ahab, and said, "As surely as the Lord lives, it will not rain by my word," and it did not rain for 3 1/2 years. That is pretty effective praying.

How would Elijah have the audacity to pray like that? He had found a promise in Deuteronomy where God said if his people turned away from him, He would withhold the rain. So Elijah prayed the promise of God.

You and I have the same available resources that Elijah had. What does it take to be effective in our prayer life? It means coming in the name of Jesus, trusting the promises of God's Word, and exercising faith. Heb. 11 tells us that without faith we can never please God. What is your prayer life like? Is it effective? Seek God with all your heart.