Ten Ways Prayer "Accomplishes Much"

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16

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‍The verse above is a familiar one to many of us when referring to prayer. It encourages us to pray often and effectively, and because we are declared righteous in Christ, we can lift up our requests with boldness. The passage that follows James 5:16 speaks of Elijah, who prayed for the rain to stop (and it did) and then three and a half years later, he prayed for the rain to start (and it did). Now that’s effective praying! Also, the above verse was penned through James, the half-brother of Jesus. It is said that one of his nicknames was “Camel knees” because he developed callouses on his knees from hours he devoted to daily prayer. These two men of God, Elijah and James, would want us to know the Lord the way they knew Him, both personally and powerfully through prayer.

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After thinking about the above verse, I made a broad list of how prayer has accomplished much in my own life. These are things I have learned over the years in my growing walk with the Lord:

1. Prayer replaces my worry with His peace.
2. Prayer helps me focus positively on others rather than negatively on myself.
3. Prayer keeps me from trying to manipulate or control situations.
4. Prayer keeps me from overly talking to people, about people.
5. Prayer provides me a free ongoing session with my Wise Counselor.
6. Prayer opens my eyes to the movement of God.
7. Prayer touches hearts in ways my words cannot.
8. Prayer increases my faith and causes me to worship.
9. Prayer makes me thankful rather than ungrateful.
10. Prayer makes my relationship with God personal and intimate.

What about you? How has effectual prayer accomplished much in your life? Make a list and thank Him for the privilege of having access to Him at all times concerning all things. Lift your requests and receive all the benefits.

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Pray much and accomplish much...every day.

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‍Dear Lord,

‍Prayer is an unending gift! Thank You! May we talk to You morning, noon, and night. Accomplish much in us and through us as we humbly lift our praise and petitions to You. Amen.