Prayer That Prevails

Prayers That Prevail: Unlocking the Power of Faithful Intercession

Bible Passage: James 5:13-18

Summary: This passage emphasizes the power and effectiveness of prayer, especially when it is offered in faith. It encourages believers to pray during times of trouble, joy, and sickness, assuring them of God's willingness to respond.

Application: This sermon can help Christians recognize the vital role of prayer in their lives, particularly in times of distress and joy. By cultivating a fervent prayer life, they can experience deeper intimacy with God and witness His miraculous work.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful tool for believers, enabling them to seek God's will, receive healing, and experience forgiveness. It highlights the necessity of prayer in all circumstances, encouraging a consistent practice.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ serves as the ultimate intercessor, bridging the gap between humanity and God through His sacrificial love and continuous advocacy for us. His life exemplified fervent prayer, teaching us to rely on God's power in every situation.

Big Idea: Effective prayer is rooted in faith and the assurance of God's response, transforming our struggles and leading us towards healing, both physically and spiritually.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, I suggest utilizing your Logos library to dive deeper into the Greek text of James 5:13-18 to explore key terms such as 'effective' (energeo) and 'fervent' (deesis). Additionally, consider examining the historical context of prayer practices in the early church and how they relate to our current understanding. Investigate commentaries that discuss Elijah's prayer as a model of faithfulness, as well as any theological works discussing the role of prayers in healing and community restoration.

James 5:13–18 KJV 1900

13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 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. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

The unabridged writings of Marco Polo – a story from a province of Persia (Iraq) in the thirteenth century.

Approximately 100,000 Christians lived and worked in this area – many were wealthy. A Saracen Caliph, who came to power in 1225, sought continually to convert, dispossess, and/or kill the Christians. He found the passage where Jesus said that if you have faith like a mustard seed you can move a mountain. He told the Christian to move the mountain or be considered reprobates and killed. He gave them ten days.

The Christians were afraid for their lives, but confident that Jesus could deliver them, so they all began to fast and to implore God’s mercy. After eight days of fervent prayer, a pious Bishop had a divine revelation that a certain one-eyed shoemaker had the divine grace to move the mountain.

He was one-eyed because he took his own eye out based on the scripture in Mark 9:47 (KJV) “And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.”

 When the day came, the Caliph had men standing by to kill the Christians, for he that was sure that they would fail. The Christians came, carrying the cross before them. The one-eyed shoemaker prayed to His Creator to show His compassion to them, and for the glory and excellency of His Name, and for the support and confirmation of the Christian faith, that He would lend assistance to His people to accomplish this task, and in so doing, manifest His power to the revilers. Then, in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost he commanded the mountain to move. There was a great earthquake and the mountain moved!

The Caliph and his men were struck with terror, and remained in a state of stupefaction. The Caliph secretly converted to Christianity.  He wore a cross under his garments, which they found when he died, so he was not buried with his predecessors.

Marco Polo’s accounts have been disputed historically typically due to his travels in China. Particularly because he did not mention chopsticks, certain cultural traditions, and the great wall of China. Though it should be noted that the wall of China was probably in disarray and not reestored until approximately 200 years later.

1. Pray in Every Circumstance

James 5:13-14

You could begin by focusing on how prayer is a response to various life circumstances: trouble, joy, and illness. Encourage your listeners to actively engage in prayer during these times, as it demonstrates their faith and reliance on God. Emphasize that prayer is a means of connecting with God emotionally and spiritually, seeking His guidance, and finding peace amidst uncertainty. Highlight Christ's example as One who often prayed to the Father, showing His deep dependence on divine strength.

What are the three life circumstances mentioned in James 5:13-14 that call for prayer?

Afflictions

Joy

Sickness

How does the passage describe the relationship between prayer and healing in James 5:15?

Prayer can lead to healing.

2. Powerful Prayer of Faith

James 5:15

Perhaps you could address the transformative power of faith-infused prayer. The prayer of faith is not just about asking for healing, but believing in God's ability to heal. It underscores the necessity of aligning our prayers with God's will, fostering spiritual healing and restoration. You might discuss Elijah's example as a testament to the effectiveness of fervent prayers made in faith, which aligns with Christ's own prayers for healing and deliverance during His ministry.

What does the word ‘effectual’ mean?

It is the Greek word: ἐνεργέω (energeo). It is the where we get the word ‘energy’.

It means to be in action or to be working.

The word "fervent" from the King James Version also describes the nature of the prayer that achieves these effects, conveying a passionate, wholehearted, and forceful prayer that is aligned with God's heart.

Can you think of a time when prayer had a big impact on your life?

3. Prayer Builds Community

James 5:16

Maybe highlight the community aspect of prayer, encouraging mutual confession and intercession among believers. This practice fosters transparency, accountability, and spiritual strength within the body of Christ. Emphasize that when we pray for one another, we mirror Christ's intercessory role, creating a supportive and healing community. Discuss how prayer breaks down barriers and cultivates a culture of forgiveness and reconciliation.

What role does confession play in our relationships with other believers according to James 5:16?

It builds accountability and transparency with one another. Reminding us to pray for one another.

4. Persistence Pays Off

James 5:17-18

Consider illustrating Elijah's fervency and faithfulness in prayer as a model for believers. Discuss how his effective prayers were grounded in righteousness and aligned with God’s purposes. By emulating such fervent prayer, believers can experience God’s power in miraculous ways. Stress that like Elijah, our righteous standing in Christ empowers us to pray boldly and expectation of God's intervention.

What does it mean that Elijah had the same passions we have?

He was subject to the same feelings, affections, and nature as us.

How can you relate Elijah's experiences with prayer to your own personal challenges or struggles?

In what ways does Elijah's example of prayer serve as a model for us?