Things in this world tend to get undervalued or overvalued at times. We oftentimes take something for granted until we’ve lost it, and at other times, we think too much of something until mortality shores up our priorities. Something God’s children have historically undervalued is the power of prayer. James tells us that it is effectual (produces results) and avails much (significant results). (James 5:16) In my own life, I have oftentimes utilized prayer as a “last resort” instead of first priority, and I fear like many of us have missed the results for what they were at the time. If prayer produces significant results, then we should not fail to utilize the power inherent within it.
Saves Lives: One of the heaviest examples of prayer’s power is the simple fact that it saves lives. When Hezekiah was told in Isaiah 38 that he was going to die, he immediately prayed to God for deliverance. This is the surest example we have in Scripture of cause and effect overcoming potential cause and effect. What would have been Hezekiah’s state had he not prayed? Simple. He would have died. God said so. What happened after he prayed? Simple. He didn’t die. God said so. When God saw the tears of this righteous king, a great effect was produced from this righteous man. With this simple and plain example from Scripture, I have answers to many situations in my life when experts like doctors scratch their heads in confusion. How could someone have survived THAT? Prayers from righteous people availed much and lives were saved.
Situations Improve: Prayer’s power does not always revolve around life and death. Most commonly, prayer improves the state of life that currently abides. Our verse from James comes on the heels of a discussion about praying for sick people. Faithful prayers by faithful people improve the state of life as we live it. Sickness, disease, mental problems, distress, sorrow, pain, labor, travail, and the list goes on. Prayer helps with all of these. Why? Because the power that we implore is greater than any power here on earth. There is no problem too big for God to deal with, and there is no problem too small to garner His care and compassion over those He loves.
Thanksgiving: Verses in Holy Writ express a muti-fold reason for prayer. It is not just for supplication and beseeching. Thanksgiving is at the heart of prayer as well. We pray for things we need while at the same time thanking God for the wonderful ways that He has abundantly blessed us. Where is power in thanksgiving? It is difficult – yea impossible – to do certain things at the same time. You can’t harbor a grudge against someone while at the same time washing their feet. They just simply cannot abide in the same track. Likewise, a heart and mode of thanksgiving presses out complaining, bitterness, pride, and a host of other things. The power it brings is contentment which is great gain. (I Timothy 6:6)
Position and Place: When we come to God beseeching Him and pouring out thanksgiving unto Him, there is a clear sense of place and position – both with us and with Him. Coming to a throne of grace hoping to find mercy and grace to help in time of need indicates that we know how much we need Him, and we recognize what He has in vast supply to help us with. (Hebrews 4:16) When I was much younger, I experienced something that will stick with me as long as I have a sound mind. As a teenager, I was quite proud of what I knew from Scriptures, and even though I didn’t speak publicly in church at that point, I could pray with the best of them. In fact, I could pray better than some men could preach. One day after offering prayer, an old deacon who helped raise me told me to take a walk with him outside. Translation: I was going to the woodshed. He told me, “Boy, don’t quote the book to the One who wrote it. He knows what it says. Tell Him how you feel and how much you love Him and need Him. That’s what He is looking to hear.” More than the kindliest and ablest parent on earth, it delights our Father when His children come to Him acknowledging Him and their position relative to Him.
Brethren, this is by no means exhaustive in all the ways prayer is empowering. However, may some of these high points re-encourage us not to take this manifold power for granted. Prayer is the first chosen path not the last resort in our lives. It can remove our enemies from us (Samson), give peace (David), enlighten (Elisha and his servant), forgive and rest in death (Stephen). One of the most comforting things about James 5:16 to me is the singularity of it. While it is comforting to have a host of people praying for you, how many does it take? A righteous man. One! Even if you feel like you’re the only one, that is sufficient. God hears one with effect just as a multitude.