Most Christians, at one time or another, have asked someone to pray for them. There is little doubt that as you read this, you also remember a time when you asked someone to pray for you. Praying for someone is an act of faith and love. Asking God to give someone strength, provide peace, give comfort, and heal sickness is a good and proper thing to do. But even as you offer to pray for someone, or ask someone to pray for you, have you ever wondered about the power of prayer?
In the fifth chapter of James, the evangelist writes; “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Prayer helps to grow faith. It brings us closer to one another. Prayer deepens and strengthens our relationship with God.
Our God is a compassionate God who hears and answers the prayers of his people. God is the one who forgives sins, brings peace and comfort while also restoring health and wholeness. If it were not so, Jesus would not have taught us to pray to the Father, he would not have given the people of God a model for prayer.
The prayer of a righteous person does indeed have great power, for we know our righteousness comes through the death and resurrection of Christ our Lord. I continue to pray for you, the reader of these words, that you may grow in your relationship with our Lord Jesus. I ask that you pray for me as well, as I too depend on the grace of God.
Prayer: O God, you know our hearts, our minds and our desires. Most of all you know our needs. All of these we bring to you in prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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In the Beginning 