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Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.
Daily Devotion

The Effectiveness of Prayer

You don't have to face anything alone. Bring your needs to God in prayer and watch Him work.

James 5:16-18

When you face a problem, what is your first response? God works powerfully through prayer, yet too often we look at it as a last resort. Using the example of Elijah, James reminds us what the effective prayer of a righteous person can accomplish. In today’s passage, the subject is healing, but that’s not the only prayer God answers. A great many things can be impacted for good by the power of prayer: 

  • Temptation. Jesus told His disciples that prayer was essential to fighting temptation (Mark 14:38).

  • Praise. After being beaten and thrown into prison, Paul and Silas prayed and praised God (Acts 16:25).

  • Spiritual Warfare. Paul teaches us to access God’s power by “pray[ing] without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).

  • Transformation. When we pray according to God’s desires, He transforms our mind, character, and actions (Col. 1:9-12).

  • Witness. Through prayer, we ask that the Lord open doors for us to spread His Word (Col. 4:3; 2 Thess. 3:1).

  • Protection. God is faithful to answer requests that He strengthen and protect us from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:2-3).

The next time you face a challenging situation, remember that prayer is powerful. Share your needs and watch God work.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 16-19