Does Prayer Really Work?

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Topic # 455 (Prayer)

Introduction:

A.     Article: (Power in Prayer; Growing in Knowledge Vol. 1, No. 19 – 13 June 1999)

B.      We can be assured that when we pray – God listens.  He will answer our prayers.

1.        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.

2.        Turn to Js. 1:5-7; 4:8; 5:16b – Bible attests that prayer works.

3.        Do we pray w/the expectation that our prayers will be answered?

C.     Even though we do not always know exactly when, or even how, prayer is working for us we have the assurance of Scripture that it does.

1.        When life continues to throw out its share of problems, trials, temptations, & setbacks – we are sometimes left to wonder if God is really listening/answering prayer.

2.        Despite all this – we can be assured that prayer really works for the Christian.

3.        That’s what we will discuss during the first part of today’s lesson.

 

I.  Prayer works for the Christian.

A.     Jesus testified to the power & effectiveness of prayer.

1.      Mt. 7:7-11 – Lord will supply our needs – giving what is good to those who ask Him.

2.      John. 14:13-14 – Jesus speaking specifically to apostles just b/f His death – but this applicable to Christians today as prayer not meant only for apostles.

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 to express to God our wants & needs – to share everything with Him!

a)        Albert Barnes: there is nothing which pertains to body, mind, estate, friends, conflicts, losses, trials, hopes, fears, in reference to which we may not go and spread it all out before the Lord.

C.     Heb. 4:16 – draw near w/confidence.

1.      See also 10:22-23; 11:6

2.      Our prayer must be conducted in faith (A firm belief/persuasion) that they will be answered.

D.    Passages in James attest to this as well.

 

II. A concentration on Js. 5:16b.

A.     This passage is perhaps the clearest statement affirming that prayer works.

1.      NASU – note words “effective” and “accomplish much.”

2.      NKJV – “effective, fervent” and “avails much.”

3.      NIV – “prayer of a righteous man is powerful & effective.”

B.      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.      Conclusion:  A prayer that is suited to have an effect is a prayer that is:

a)        Sincere & earnest.

b)        Hearty & persevering

4.      not a prayer that is:

a)        listless and indifferent

b)        Cold/lifeless – as if there were not vitality or power in it.

5.       Lenski observes:  a righteous one’s petition avails when putting forth its energy.

6.      We must strive to have prayers that are alive & meaningful – not just repetition of the same old phrases & common sayings.

E.      Weaver in his study on prayer also notes some commentators express a different meaning on the word “effective” in 5:16b.

1.      That prayer is mighty in what it is able to do.

2.      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

1.      Heb. 11:6; Mt. 5:6

2.      Isa. 55:6; Jer. 29:13

3.      We seek God today – through the word – the Bible.

B.      Righteous keep God’s commandments.

1.      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

1.      Context – those who have confessed/acknowledged their sins.  See Acts 2:38

 

IV. Js. 5:16b - The Prayer of the Righteous Will Accomplish Much.

A.     Opposite:  Prayer of unrighteous will accomplish little.

1.      Isa. 59:2; Prov. 15:8-9; 29

2.      Principle taught by Peter in 1 Pet. 3:12

3.      If living sinful life – how can one expect to call upon God to help – while continually rejecting Him at other times?

                                                                          i.      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.  Let’s look at some examples:

1.      1 Kings 18:41-46 – Elijah’s prayer for rain

2.      Ex. 32:11-13 – Moses’ prayer for Israelites

3.      Many prayers of Jesus

 

Conclusion:

A.       Bible does not propose to reveal everything there is to know about prayer anymore than it claims to make known all there is to know about God, creation, or miracles.

1.         But….Bible teaches that there is power in prayer for the righteous person who prays to God in faith.

2.         We must have faith - & be willing to act upon it.

B.        Prayer is A Key:

1.         In the morning prayer is the key that opens to us the treasuries of God's
mercies and blessings;

2.         During the day it is the key that allows us to know His presence and to give
God the glory in all things.

3.         In the evening prayer is the key that allows us to lay our heads down with
confidence protected and safeguarded knowing our souls are His whether we wake to this earth's sunlight or the Son's light of heaven. 

4.         ARE YOU USING YOUR KEY?

C.       Psa. 34:15-19

1.         Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11 – Righteous live by faith!

2.         Do you live by faith?

3.         Are you forgiven?

D.       Do your prayers accomplish much?

E.         I N V I T A T I O N