Pastor Stephen Dedman

Tag: James 5:16

The Importance Of Prayer

Faith, Trust

‘Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. ‘
James 5:16

Did you know that you can get God’s attention through prayer? It’s not so much in what you say but what your heart desires. James, the brother of Jesus, gives us a great truth to always remember.

James gives us the insight on how to get God’s attention when we pray. He says to confess our sins. This is necessary to have good fellowship with God. We need to confess our sins and cleanse our hearts.

All through the Bible, the righteous were close to God and He was near to them. Anyone who comes into the presence of Almighty God will be renewed and changed. It is important that we confess our sins and remain pure at heart. This is how we can know God will hear our prayers.

In the next verse, he uses the example of Elijah as he prayed fervently that it might not rain and there was no rain for 3 1/2 years. And then in verse 18, he prayed again for rain and heaven poured down rain. So what made Elijah’s prayers get God’s attention?

Proverbs 15:29 says the Lord hears the prayer of the righteous. But this same verse also says the Lord is far from the wicked. When the righteous speak, He hears. But God does not hear those who do not repent.

Also, James says to pray for one another. Is your heart’s desire set on the healing of others? Not just the healing of sickness but spiritual healing as well. It is important that we pray for others and not just ourself.

Perhaps the greatest key to getting God’s attention is in our faith in the One True God. Our faith is what gets God’s attention the most. Our faith speaks louder than words. Is your faith strong? Do you pray expecting God to answer your prayers? Don’t be so surprised when God answers your prayers.

Pray

Lord, forgive me of my sins and renew a right spirit in me. Cleanse my heart and make me new again. Help me know that you hear my prayers and You will answer according to Your Will.

Pray For One Another

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
‭‭1 Timothy 2:1

Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night and had friend or loved one on your mind?  That person was placed on your heart for a reason. God places people on our hearts and minds so we can help them and bless them.

Our prayers can actually bless others. We need to take time to pray for those who come to our attention and pray without hesitation. When we pray for others we are helping them get blessed.

Paul wrote a letter to Timothy to address some of the issues that were happening at the church at Ephesus.  One of the issues facing that church was prayer. The church was divided between the Jews and Gentiles who had complete different attitudes concerning spiritual matters such as salvation and blessings.  

So Paul instructed Timothy to instruct the church, the people of God, to pray for each other. It’s our responsibility and privilege to pray for one another.  Everyone needs prayer.

You need someone praying for you as well. That is why it is important to surround yourself with faithful praying people.  Other people can pray blessings into your life.

There is nothing more wonderful and amazing than to witness an answered prayer.  It’s important to pay attention to what others around you are going through so that you can pray for them specifically.  

Sometimes a generic prayer just isn’t enough.  We need to pray earnestly for the needs of others.  Pray for their salvation if they are lost.  Pray for their health if they are sick.  

If they are poor, pray for their wealth.  Pray for their strength if they are weak.  If they seem hopeless, pray for their faith to be strengthened.  Pray for them as the Holy Spirit directs you to.

Who is on your mind today as you pray? Reach out to that person and ask them how you can pray for them.

Pray

Lord, I pray for those who You put on my mind and heart. Thank You for allowing me to be part of their blessings. I pray that people are praying for me as well.