Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“The EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER of a righteous man avails much” – James 5:16b

The Scriptures consistently affirm the and present models of the POWER of PRAYER for IMPACT: “Confess your trespasses to one another, that you may be healed. The EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he PRAYED earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he PRAYED again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit” (Jam.5:16-18). God used Elijah to produce such a phenomenal impact on nature by the Power of Prayer. He is willing and able to do likewise with us.  

The Power of Prayer is a recurring theme in scripture, with numerous passages emphasizing its Impact on individuals and circumstances. Today’s devotional text emphasizes the power of prayer to impact lives. It encourages individuals to pray for those in need, confess sins to one another, and pray for healing and forgiveness. It urges believers to pray when in trouble, to sing praises when in good spirits, and to seek prayer from the elders and anointing for healing when sick. The Lord confirmed the efficacy of the prayer of a righteous person, using Elijah as an example of God’s responsiveness to earnest prayer.

Interestingly, James addressed different emotional states and circumstances, inferring the need to pray in all circumstances. He encourages those who are suffering to pray and those who are cheerful to sing praises. The word “prayer” occurs seven times in James 5:13-18 used in its noun or verb form. Some Bible commentaries describe this encouragement to believers to pray as a command – an imperative. Moreover, the passage reveals when we should pray, why, and the effects of our prayers.

James’ encouragement confirms that we can pray amidst suffering, trouble, and affliction. Prayer can do so much in times of crisis and difficulties. Earlier, James had encouraged believers to embrace trials with Joy: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (Jam.1:2). For it is in the place of prayer that we can find strength and hope in times of adversity. Prayer does not only change things; it also changes us and puts us in a place of submission and surrender before God.

Prayer brings comfort and relief: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (v.13). Peter put it this way: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1Pet.5:7). Part of a popular hymn says: “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry…what? Everything to God in prayer.”