Prayer of the Righteous
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.
Romans 4:4-5
Now to the one who works, pay is not considered as a gift, but as something owed. But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him who declares righteous the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.
I’m convinced we give up in prayer too easily when we don’t see the answer we need right away. I’m learning to spend more time in prayer than in worry over a matter, but this has not come easy for me since my flesh is inclined to worry. James encourages us in prayer by directing us to God in times of sickness. We are to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other. He reminds us that the intense (effectual, fervent) prayer of the righteous is very powerful and effective. After confessing our sins, however, we may not feel too righteous and lose faith that God will heal. This is where we need Paul’s instruction.
God declares righteous the ungodly through faith. Wherever you have blown it or fallen in life, God declares you righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. He is your sacrifice or payment for sin, and nothing you can do will suffice. God sees the righteousness of Christ when He looks at you, so don’t give up in prayer. If you don’t have an answer yet, just keep praying. God does hear you, and your prayer is much more powerful and effective than you may think.
There may be times when it seems God is just not working in an area at all. Whether you are asking for healing, standing in the gap for a wayward child or friend, or praying for our country, God does hear your prayers. There may be a multitude of reasons why you aren’t seeing an answer right away, but that does not mean God is not working in the situation. He won’t reveal His handiwork in the matter until He is ready to show you. Just keep praying in faith that He is listening and working on your behalf. You are righteous through Christ, and His Word assures us that our intense prayers are very powerful. Believe Him. Keep calm, and pray on!
Have a blessed day!