Simply Angie
How many times have I said to someone, “What can I do besides pray?” Do you say that, too? It sounds like I am saying that my prayers aren’t really good enough or worthwhile and that perhaps there is something better I could offer besides prayer. Of course, I don’t consciously mean that, and I really am just trying to be practical to see if there is something physical that I can do to be of help during difficult times - watch the kids, make a meal, buy some groceries, etc. I’m reminded of James’ admonition to the believers. James 2:15-16 It doesn’t do much good to offer someone a blessing of words and not anything material to meet their need when you see they have one and are able to help. That’s partly what James referred to as ‘dead faith.’ However, the Spirit of God has convicted me this week regarding the matter of prayer and the value that I place upon it. He has also challenged me to honestly consider the quality of my own prayers and whether they are as effective as they should be or as God intended them to be. James 5:16 It was the last half of that verse that God emphasized in my heart as He was admonishing me on my attitude toward prayer. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Repetitious prayers are vain and without any value, but effectual fervent prayers have powerful results; they “avail much.” It feels like I’m praying more these days than I’ve ever before prayed in my life because there seem to be more trials and tribulations in the world, in our families, in our churches, and in our own lives than ever before. I don’t want to be praying just to pray as a religious exercise. I want my prayers to make a difference. Prayer is a powerful spiritual weapon. I don’t want to be shadowboxing. I want my prayers to land and have an impact. Our Good God reminded me this week that praying is one of the most valuable actions I can perform, but only if my prayers meet the qualifications James mentioned. I asked myself these questions…
The challenge God has placed before me this week is to continually hold the mirror of His Word up before my face so that I can see myself as He sees me. The Word of God is sharper than any sword and can discern the thoughts and intents of my heart. While kind and generous actions definitely have their place in showing God’s love to the world and to other brothers and sisters in Christ, I’m convinced that the most valuable and worthwhile gift we can offer is the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman😉). Because one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to help us to pray as we ought, I am asking Him to help me pray with effectual fervency and to be more conscious of the need to be righteous at all times so that my prayers will ‘avail much.’ Our needs are great. We have physical needs, emotional needs, and spiritual needs. We need to pray for ourselves, for our family, for our friends, for our enemies, for our leaders, for the lost, for the fallen, for the return of the Savior, and much more. I’ve heard it said and often thought it to be true, “Prayer is the thing that Christians talk about the most and do the least.” I don’t want that to be true about me. I want to be in constant communication with the Lord, and I want my prayers to make a difference. Will you join me in this challenge? I hope so! Think what a difference we can make in our own lives and in the lives of those around us for God’s glory. Have a great week!
Talk to you again soon. Can’t wait?
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Saturday, March 2, 2024
How Valuable Are My Prayers?
