The Prayers of the Righteous Availeth Much

Shortly after Dallas Seminary was founded in 1924, it came to the point of bankruptcy. All the creditors were going to foreclose at noon on a particular day. That morning, the founders of the school met in the president’s office to pray that God would provide. In that prayer meeting was Harry Ironside. When it was his turn to pray, he prayed in his characteristically refreshing manner: “Lord, we know that the cattle on a thousand hills are thine. Please sell some of them and send us the money.”

While they were praying, a tall Texan came into the business office and said, “I just sold two carloads of cattle in Fort Worth. I’ve been trying to make a business deal go through and it won’t work, and I feel that God is compelling me to give this money to the Seminary. I don’t know if you need it or not, but here’s the check.”

A secretary took the check and, knowing something of the financial seriousness of the hour, went to the door of the prayer meeting and timidly tapped. When she finally got a response, Dr. Lewis Chafer took the check out of her hand, and it was for the exact amount of the debt. When he looked at the signature, he recognized the name of the cattle rancher. Turning to Dr. Ironside, he said, “Harry, God sold some cattle.”

This story is one of many great illustrations of God’s response to prayer. Likewise, James, the half-brother of Jesus and the author of the book in the New Testament that bears his name, asserts that the prayers of the righteous can accomplish much (James 5:16c NASB). Moreover, he would know because he spent much time in prayer. Jerome (342-420 CE), would say of him “. . . He did not wear woolen, but only linen clothes, and [James] went into the Temple alone and prayed on behalf of the people, so that his knees were reputed to have acquired the callousness of a camel’s knees, and that after Jesus departed was immediately appointed Bishop of Jerusalem by the Apostle” (Lives of Illustrious Men Chapter 2). Therefore, James’ lesson on prayer is instructive as he teaches us, “The saints are to pray earnestly in faith with patience” (James 5:7-20). Thus, he articulates three powerful truths regarding the pray of faith.

1.      The prayer of faith is prayed with endurance. The original recipients of James’ letter faced an adverse circumstance. They were being unjustly oppressed by the rich (James 5:1-6). Therefore, James instructs the oppressed to endure patiently in prayer through their suffering (James 5:7-13a). He provides them with three examples to support his assertion for waiting patiently: (1) the farmer who waits for the precious soil to yield its produce (v.7), (2) the prophets had to wait patiently for the Lord to fulfill His promises (v.10) and (3) The patient endurance of Job during his affliction (v.11). Thus, contrary to popular belief, Christians do experience pain and suffering at times as they travail in prayer whiling standing in faith (Hebrews 11:36-38; 1 Peter 4:12-16).

2.      The prayer of faith is prayed in times of adversity. When James raises the question, “Is anyone among you suffering?” the word “suffering” could carry the idea of any form of temporal hardship. Thus, the antidote to the suffering caused by evil treatment or persecution is seeking God’s comfort through prayer (v.13b). For example, the Psalmist declares, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27: 13-14). Not only is the sufferer encouraged to pray, but he is also exhorted to sing praises (v.13c). Moreover, your praise is a form of prayer that is expressed in song (e.g., Psalm 103:1-11). In addition, James even instructed those that are sick to call for elders of the church to come, anoint with oil and prayer for God’s healing, restoration and forgiveness of sins if any were committed (.vv 14, 15; Mark 6:13).

3.      The prayer of faith is very effective when the righteous pray. James exhorts his readers to confess their sins to one another. It is good if believers could have spiritually mature confidantes— spiritual accountability partners. Selecting a believer that has your best interest at heart and serves as an accountability partner is a good, proven practice. Such a practice is spiritually beneficial, for it aids in minimizing unaddressed sin and counters the enemy of our soul who seeks to ensnare us spiritually and emotionally with the ultimate goal of destroying our witness (James 5:16a; Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:2; Psalm 91:3a; John 10:10). James asserts that healing can take place when one deals with sin properly. Likewise, he reinforces the idea of the strength of prayers that are prayed by the righteous. He supports his assertion with an illustration regarding Elijah’s prayer that prohibited rain for three years and six months upon the earth (James 5:17). King Ahab had led Israel into sin by marrying Jezebel who promoted idol worship of Baal in land (1 Kings 16:29-33). Baal, supposedly the god that controlled thunder and rain, and his prophets are tested and fall short of their claims. Humiliated by Jehovah and Elijah, Elijah would put them to the sword (1 Kings 18:20-46). Thus, Elijah demonstrated the power of a righteous when he prays.

Listen, child of God, your prayers can accomplish much in God—do not grow weary in prayer! Remember Jacob’s determination as he wrestled with the angel of the Lord all night long, “I will not let you go until you bless me” (Genesis 32:26 ESV).

Reflection

1. What spiritual discipline has God given to the believer to practice and engage heaven in the good times and bad?

2. How often do you spend quality time in prayer? On the other hand, how is your prayer life?

3. How important is intercessory prayer to you? Do you corporately pray with the church on behalf of other people and issues?

4. Do you pray only in the time of need?

Go Deeper

Additional Reading:

1. E.M. Bounds, Purpose in Prayer

2. E.M. Bounds, Prayer & Spiritual Warfare

3. E.M. Bounds, Power through Prayer

4. Andrew Murray, The Believers Prayer Life

5. Charles G. Finney’s, Answers to Prayer

6. Clarion Classics, The Kneeling Christian