The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
This raises a question. Who is righteous?
Other passages of Scripture make it clear that nobody is righteous, for all make mistakes and sin. On the other hand, everyone who comes to Jesus is made righteous on the basis of faith in Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross.
Students of Jesus are not righteous by themselves. God continuously declares them to be so based on their trust in what Jesus has done!
James is saying that every faithful student of Jesus is a person whose prayers are powerful and effective!
This true because every student of Jesus remains in a constant state of righteousness by the forgiveness Jesus provides. And because they are in a right relationship with God, their prayers are heard and answered!
James says that students of Jesus should pray when they are in trouble. This is good news because every day difficulties arise in life. Problems in marriage and family, job stresses, financial troubles, accidents and even death of loved ones.
It is of great comfort to know in every situation our prayers make a real difference, especially when we are in the middle of a life-sized problem!
James also says prayers are effective in times of illness - Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Prayer is also powerful to help us overcome sin in our lives - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
Prayer is perhaps the most under-appreciated and under-utilized privilege available to us.
Jesus was a person of prayer. Good students of this Teacher take note.
James says that students of Jesus should pray when they are in trouble. This is good news because every day difficulties arise in life. Problems in marriage and family, job stresses, financial troubles, accidents and even death of loved ones.
It is of great comfort to know in every situation our prayers make a real difference, especially when we are in the middle of a life-sized problem!
James also says prayers are effective in times of illness - Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Prayer is also powerful to help us overcome sin in our lives - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
Prayer is perhaps the most under-appreciated and under-utilized privilege available to us.
Jesus was a person of prayer. Good students of this Teacher take note.
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