Effective Prayers

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/18/24

In these uncertain times, prayer is essential. It is our greatest form of communication with a holy God who has provided a way for us to not only worship Him but know Him personally. Through prayer, we discover the depths of God’s mercy and love for us. It is also where we confess our sin and receive His forgiveness.

Still, many avoid prayer. Rather than becoming an opportunity to be cleansed and to fellowship with God, prayer becomes a joyless duty. Perhaps this is because some have never learned the secret of powerful and effective prayers. So, how do we pray effective prayers?

The Bible tells us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). If being a righteous man or woman is the key to powerful and effective prayer, what are the characteristics of a righteous person?

A righteous person is a person who is in right standing with God. A righteous person has a personal relationship with Jesus as his or her personal Savior. A righteous person seeks to obey God and yield to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Righteousness is manifested in a person who wants what is right according to the Word of God—he or she wants to see God’s will and Truth established on this earth.

Prayer: God, I pray that I would live righteously before You. Reveal anything in my life that might be a hindrance to my relationship with You. Thank You for the promise that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).