Daily Devotional
Do You Pray Weak Prayers?
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much”
James 5:16b
April 19, 2020
Ponder This
These words, effectual and fervent, literally mean “stretched out.” Visualize a horse jumping over a barricade, stretched out as he leaps. It’s like an athlete who’s running for the gold, and he bursts for the tape and stretches himself out for the goal. James says that’s the way we are to pray. Our prayers are to be on fire! They’re to be stretched out, and I don’t mean stretched out on your bed half asleep. We’re to be striving for the goal, eager, earnest, fervent, and impassioned in our prayers. God forgive our cold, lukewarm, milk-toast, take-it-or-leave-it prayers.
When we give without sacrifice, pray without fasting, and witness without tears, is it any wonder we sow without results?
Practice This
How God has convicted my heart as I’ve studied the book of James! I’ve had to bow my head, confess my sin and say, “God, forgive my cold, lukewarm, indifferent prayers. May I learn how to pray effectually, fervently, as James taught us to pray.” What does James mean when he talks about the conditions that we should meet? He’s talking about the intensity of the asking. That’s the kind of prayer that brings results.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
