Prayer is major (3)

Are all prayers of the same value? God's fair, which means he should take the distracted half-grace we say before dinner as seriously as that person praying and fasting for 24 hours? Maybe not. Why did Jesus teach his disciples that certain ministry was only possible with prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29, Matthew 17:21)? Why does James 5:16 talk about the prayer of a 'righteous person', instead of saying that 'all prayer is powerful and effective'?

Here's a challenging thought. Maybe prayer isn't Heaven's help desk. Maybe, just maybe, prayer is part of the relationship core of Christianity; in fact, we'd say it's the lifeblood of it. If being a Christian is having a relationship with God - supported by the good works and habits of 'true religion' (James 1:27) that we build into it - then, when it comes to facing a problem, firing off the odd panic-prayer is like talking to our parents only when we want money. We are encouraged to 'pray continually' (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV); this suggests a prayerful approach in all we do.

And, prayer isn't about us. Not only are we meant to be in constant prayer contact with God, but our prayer should be the sort that always points us toward him. That's the prayer that moves mountains.



So what now? Read James 5:13-18, then think of someone who's a leader, of a church, business or country. Stick their name on your wall and pray for them each day. Prayer is major, and your prayer is powerful and effective.





— SCRIPTURE —

'The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.' James 5:16 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Eze 37:1-40:9, Matt 24:1-14, Ps 78:9-16 , Pro 20:11-14