Devotional

Prayer Works!

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

“Energeo”  takes two English words to translate it, effective and fervent. The Apostle Paul used this same word in describing the power of God’s Word in our lives, “You welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). God’s work in us grows because the force of this new life is Holy Spirit power, and it keeps changing us into the image of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Energeo describes a process that is far more than dynamic. Efforts infused with Energeo accomplish their goal. 

The fervency of the prayer described in this verse is not rooted in pointless emotionalism. It is a passionate prayer that is confident of certain fulfillment. It is based upon the surety of God’s partnership and confidence in Him bringing His kingdom power into our world as we pray. 

As you pray today, pray with faith and belief. The Holy Spirit provides the energeo that continues until the righteous purpose of God has prevailed. Our prayers work! 

James