By: Pastor/Teacher James R. Paxton
Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
This verse begins with a soul searching self examination. It brings out humility and identifies us as in need of one another. It teaches us to lift up one another in prayer and continues with a wonderful description of a prayer that is prayed according to God’s Word.
There are four words in the latter part of the verse that I want to draw our attention to. They are effectual, fervent, righteous and availeth. First, let us look at prayer itself. There are several words in the Greek test to identify prayer or to pray. Basically, it is a petition to God addressing a need, desire, inquiry or request. It may be for our nation, our church, ourselves or others.
Now let us look at the word effectual. A prayer that is effectual is targeted, biblical, exercising faith and equipped with knowledge. It is laced with power and conforms to the will of God. Next, let us examine the word fervent. The Greek word for fervent is “zeo.” It is defined as hot, zealous or perhaps demanding. It is not demanding of God but of His Word to us.
The word righteous speaks of a relationship with God and being in right standing with Him. God’s children are precious to Him. God’s ear is ever open to the cry of the righteous. Ps 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
Now let us look at availeth. The word availeth means to prevail, to be effective and producing results. It is a forceful phrase. It is defined as sound health, meaning it is flawless in the sense that it is covered by a covenant relationship with God and is in accord with His Word. We are not perfect, but God and His Word are. His Word will never pass away. We are to pray in faith believing that what we are asking for is the will of God and knowing He will not withhold anything from those who walk uprightly before Him. Satan will always try to keep God’s Word and your prayer from coming to pass, but Jesus stripped him of his power at Calvary. Our prayer should be that which is set forth in the Word of God and its fulfillment will bring glory to God.
Maranatha!
