Prayer

“The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.” (James 5:16b)

So, who are “the righteous?” The righteous are all those who have a right, personal relationship with God through a personal faith in Jesus Christ, those whose sins are covered by the blood of Christ, thus declaring him or her righteous before God. The fact of having a personal relationship with the Almighty Creator of the universe is what makes this prayer powerful.

According to James, prayer takes on many forms. It sometimes is petition for those who are sick or suffering. It may be singing praises to God, the expression of a cheerful heart. It may be seeking forgiveness, or an intercession, but essentially it is communicating with God.

Such communication with God is intense not when we tighten our face and neck muscles but when it is focused, prolonged, and sustained, being borne of faith. We pray and we trust God and His response. He is the One who makes our prayers powerful, because He is a loving Father who wants to give good gifts to His children.

Lord, Today may our prayers before You be intense and targeted. Amen.