Behind Our Prayers

BEHIND OUR PRAYERS

James 5:13-18

We Christians can pray, but the effectiveness of it depends on something important BEHIND OUR PRAYERS.

A. FAITH BEHIND OUR PRAYERS (15)

"The PRAYER OF FAITH shall save the sick..."

-The effectiveness of our prayers greatly depends on our FAITH.

Mark 11:24 "Whatsoever you desire when you pray believe that you received them, and ye shall have them."

B. RIGHTEOUSNESS BEHIND OUR PRAYERS (16)

"The PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN availeth much."

-The effectiveness of our prayers greatly depends on our Righteousness before God.

Psalms 4:5 "Offer sacrifices of RIGHTEOUSNESS and put your trust in the Lord."

C. SINCERITY BEHIND OUR PRAYERS (17-18)

"Elijah EARNESTLY PRAYED...and he PRAYED AGAIN..."

-The effectiveness of our prayers greatly depends on our sincerity in praying.

Example: Luke 18:1-8

Sincerity in Prayer Takes Time and Effort

· Who ever told us that prayer was easy as lying

· This widow woman, who already had a busy schedule, and no help, was going to have to take the time herself and go meet this judge face to face

· Not just a once-off event either. She was going to stay at it until an answer was received - perseverance - tenacity!

· This widow woman was not cheap with her time with this judge

· She invested time each and every day - had a set time she would go to meet this judge and cry-out before him her case

· She would go not only during the day, but at night.