Monday. Perhaps Mondays are difficult for you as you get back into the week to week flow - work, cleaning, cooking, putting away toys, appointments, etc. But this Monday - is just 6 days from Christmas, and as I sit here typing this listening to Christmas music, I am very aware that I still have quite a bit to do. You too? The temptation is to be focused on getting everything done while losing sight of the Redeemer, born to die for you and for me. Please take time this week to sit a spell with the Savior. Worship Him. You don't even have to talk!!!!
We are closing in on the last few verses of James. This week we are reminded of the awesome power of prayer.
James 5:16b The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (ESV). The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (NKJV). The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (NIV). The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working](Amplified).
Commentary
"The effective...avails much. The energetic, passionate prayers of godly people have the power to accomplish much." [The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1897]
Fervent means "exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling" (http://www.merriam-webster.com)
"The great advantage and efficacy of prayer are declared and proved. ... He who prays must be a righteous man. The prayer itself must be a fervent, in-wrought, well-wrought prayer. Such prayer avails much. It is a great advantage to ourselves, it may be very beneficial to our friends, and we are assured its being acceptable to God." [Matthew Henry's Commentary in One Volume by Matthew Henry pg. 1938]
Blessings,
Diane
Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.
Footnotes:
a. James 5:16 Or The effective prayer of a righteous person has great power
Cross references:
A. James 5:16 : Acts 19:18
B. James 5:16 : Heb 12:13
C. James 5:16 : Gen 18:23-32; 20:17; Num 11:2; 1 Kgs 13:6; 17:22; 2 Kgs 4:33; 19:15-20; 20:2-5; Job 42:8; Prov 15:29
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