"The effective, fervent prayer
of a righteous man avails much."
James 5:16
A men's Bible study group was discussing effective prayer. Each one shared what he thought was the key to effective prayer. Finally, the last man to speak said, "I think effective prayer is all about being in a right relationship with God. That's what the Bible teaches in James 5:16. We can pray beautiful words and impress others, but God is not impressed if we are not right with Him." All the members of the class agreed.
A righteous man offers effective prayers before God. We are not talking about a self-righteous man, but a righteous man. True righteousness comes by faith in God through Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16-17). To be right with God means that we have a faith relationship with Him. Such a relationship is often expressed through conversational prayer. We know God as our Father and offer our prayers through the righteousness of God in Christ. That's the reason we pray in Jesus name (Romans 3:26; John 14:13).
How is your prayer life? Don't focus on a formula of certain words nor a ritual designed to draw God's attention. Focus on your personal relationship with Him. Confession of sin is an important part of our prayers. We all need fresh cleansing from our sins from time to time. God promises to cleanse us as we honestly confess our sins (1 John 1:9). That restores and renews our relationship with Him. Remember that effective prayer is really about our relationship with God.
Prayer: Father, we confess that we have sinned. Forgive us and cleanse us afresh through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
