Effective Prayer

In his teaching on effective prayer found in James 1:2-8; 5:13-18, James taught about the factors that make the prayer of a Christian effective, the right attitude towards prayer (when facing different situations)and used the example of Elijah to buttress the efficacy of prayers. For the meaning and types of prayer, click here.

James was of the view that the factors that make prayer effective include faith, steadfastness, perseverance and righteousness. Based on this, he advised Christians not to worry when they encounter trials, but to rejoice knowing that such trials serve as “a trial of their faith.” Faith, James argued, produces perseverance and steadfastness in the midst of difficulties. 

He went ahead to advise Christians who lack wisdom to ask God for wisdom without doubting, bearing in mind that God will grant such request because of His kind and generous nature. James cautioned that he who doubts is double-minded (and unstable in all his ways) like the wave of the sea tossed and driven by the wind, hence such a person should not expect to receive anything from God.

Furthermore, James presented the right attitude towards prayer. He advised those suffering to pray and the cheerful to sing songs of praise. For the sick, James advised that the elders of the church be called to pray over the sick, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. The effects of this action are: the sick will be saved and healed by the prayer (of faith), and if he had committed any sin, he will be forgiven. James also encouraged Christians to confess their sins to one another and to pray for each other for healing.

Finally, James used the example of Elijah to show that the prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Elijah prayed that it might not rain and there was no rain for three and half years. After the drought, he prayed that it should rain, and it rained.