Accessing God's Power
James 5:16
“Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”
There is freedom in this passage.
Freedom in knowing we all fall short of perfection.
We are released from the heavy burden of trying to be perfect.
We sin, offend others, and slip up.
James tells us to share these misgivings with others.
Why?
They can result in highly destructive thoughts.
.
We roll them over and over in our minds which leads to guilt and shame.
However, we release ourselves from captivity when we share our faults with others.
We can then stand together in prayer against further infractions.
James also tells us to pray for one another in order to facilitate healing and restoration.
Restoration of spirit and mind.
As we stand together and pray for one another we become stronger.
James writes, “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”
Tremendous power!
I want to operate in that kind of power all the time!
The key to unlocking this tremendous power lies in the words he wrote.
Earnest, heartfelt, and continued.
Praying for one another in earnest means praying with intense conviction.
Pray with a believing spirit knowing God is answering our prayers.
Praying from the heart with compassion and love is another key to unlocking God’s power.
As we emote, our prayers become more fervent.
And finally, pray continuously.
The Lord, indeed, hears our prayers the first time.
But praying continuously helps strengthen OUR belief.
Praying continuously also increases the intensity around our prayers.
James shows us the way to true freedom in this passage.
He tells us to share our faults with others, stand with one another, and pray for one another which unleashes tremendous power and ultimately frees us from our afflictions.
Today I choose to share with others and pray earnestly and continuously with them and for them unlocking God’s Almighty power.
May you find freedom and tremendous power in praying with and for others.
Daily Prayer:
O Lord, my God, thank You for teaching me through Your Word today. Thank You for showing me we need to share our faults and failures with others so we can pray for one another. Thank You for showing me the tremendous power of prayer as we stand together. Help me be diligent in praying for others and myself. Help me come to you often with fervor and belief that You are answering my prayers. Instill in my heart a stronger faith, Lord. Don’t let my unbelief steal any blessings You have in store for me or my family. Help me walk into the freedom You so generously offer. Help me walk in Your power, Father. Thank You for all You do and all You are. Help me bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing my prayer.
Answer: I AM the Great I AM, and My power is released to you through your prayers.
Response: Help me pray often with zeal, fervor, and belief, Lord.