Does
Prayer Really Work?
We can be assured that when
we pray – God listens. He
will answer our prayers. If one only knew of all the good accomplished - &
the evil averted through prayer – I think we would be even more diligent
in our prayer. The Bible attests that prayer works. Do we pray w/the
expectation that our prayers will be answered?
I. Prayer works for the Christian.
A.
Jesus testified to the
power & effectiveness of prayer.
1.
Mt. 7:7-11 – God will
give what is good to those who ask Him.
2.
John. 14:13-14…
B.
Paul testified to the power
& effectiveness of prayer.
1.
Eph. 3:20 – power of
prayer implied here as Paul encourages Ephesians.
2.
Phil. 4:6 – we can share
everything with Him!
C.
Heb. 4:16 – draw near
w/confidence. See also 10:22-23; 11:6
II. A concentration on Js. 5:16b.
A.
Focus upon
“effective/fervent” in 5:16b.
1.
Strong’s: to be mighty
in; to work (at).
2.
Thayer: to be operative;
be at work; put forth power.
3.
Prayers that are effectual are:
a)
Sincere & earnest.
b)
Hearty & persevering
4.
Not listless and
indifferent.
B.
Consider also that prayer
is mighty in what it is able to do.
1.
In other words: prayer
of a righteous man is very powerful in its operation.
III. Who are the Righteous with
Effective Prayer? See 5:16b.
A.
Righteous seek for God - Heb.
11:6; Mt. 5:6; Isa. 55:6; Jer. 29:13
B.
Righteous keep God’s
commandments - 1 John. 2:1; 29; 3:7-12; 22; 5:2-3
C.
When righteous pray –
their requests are:
1.
According to God’s will
– Mt. 26:39; 1 John. 5:14-15
2.
In the name of Christ
– Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:17
3.
Humble – Psa.
10:17-18
a)
Lk. 18:9-14 – Pharisee/publican
4.
with thanksgiving –
Phil 4:6
5.
Unceasing – 1 Thess.
5:17; LK. 18:1-8
D.
Righteous are those who
have been forgiven – Rom. 4:7-9
IV. Js. 5:16b - The Prayer of the
Righteous Will Accomplish Much.
A.
Opposite: Prayer of unrighteous will
accomplish little. See Isa.
59:2; Prov. 15:8-9; 29
1.
Principle taught by Peter
in 1 Pet. 3:12
2.
If living sinful life
– how can one expect to call upon God to help – while continually
rejecting Him at other times?
3.
Can the sinner expect God
to bless Him/reward Him for his actions?
B.
If living righteously
– we can expect our prayer to be heard/answered.
1.
1 Kings 18:41-46 –
Elijah’s prayer for rain
2.
Ex. 32:11-13 – Moses’
prayer for Israelites
Conclusion:
A.
Bible teaches that there is
power in prayer for the righteous person who prays to God in faith.
B.
Do
you live by faith? Are you forgiven? Do your prayers accomplish much?