by Justin Morton
Abraham Lincoln once said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.” Many of us have been there, and maybe we find ourselves there right now. Whether it’s the loss of a job, financial stress, a broken relationship, a devastating diagnosis, culture, evil, or the death of a loved one, we often find ourselves searching for answers.
In times like these, we try many different avenues to help us cope. We reach out to friends, family, post on social media, or seek advice from trusted mentors. But here’s a vital question for us to consider: did you think to pray?
James, the brother of Jesus and author of the epistle of James, emphasizes the importance and power of prayer. In James 5:13-18, the word pray or prayer shows up seven times. Why? Because he believed in the power of prayer. That comes as no real surprise considering historians called him “Camel Knees” because of the time he spent kneeling in prayer.
Let’s be honest though; many believers struggle to pray even though we know we should pray. The battle is not because we do not want to pray, but because sometimes we doubt prayer will make a real difference. James said, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). The CSB translation puts it this way: “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.”
Prayer has great power, not because of who we are, but because of the One we are praying to. Psalm 147:5 reminds us that God is “abundant in power”. The same God who created the stars and heals the brokenhearted is the One who hears our prayers. So whether you are battling illness, facing trials, feeling spiritually weak, or just wanting to see our world turn back to God, remember prayer is not pointless. Prayer is powerful because our God is not limited.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God responding to prayer: Elijah prayed and the rain stopped for three years (James 5:17-18; I Kings 17 &18); Hannah prayed and God gave her a son (I Samuel 1:1-20); Hezekiah prayed and his life was extended 15 more years (2 Kings 20:1-11). These were not superheroes of faith. They were ordinary people who believed in an extraordinary God.
So today, whatever you are facing or worrying about, do not just post about it or talk about it with just anyone. Pray about it! Believe that God hears and that He cares. Then trust that in His power and perfect will, He will respond.