EFFECTIVENESS OF PRAYER (WEEK ONE)

WEEK ONE : CRS

EFFECTIVENESS OF PRAYER

            The term “Prayer” has received so many definitions from many writers; each definition expresses the experience of the writer. Prayer with God; it is a channel through which we communicate with God, in sadness, joy, or need. Prayer is also understood as relationship with God. These definitions have something in common: that in prayer, two parties are involved; God and man, the creator and the creature. Prayer is therefore a sign of our dependence on God for our daily existence. Humility is therefore very important for one to offer a prayer that could be accepted by God.

JAMES TEACHING ON PRAYER

Bible Ref: James 1:1-8, 4:1-3, 5:13-20

            The apostle James was through in his treatment of prayer. He advised all Christians to pray at all times, no matter the situation they find themselves. In his words Christians should be joyful in trials, knowing that trials are the testing of their faith which produces steadfastness. Christians are to pray seriously in such situations so as to withstand such trials. He further taught that:

Ø  When one lacks wisdom, one should in faith ask God, who delights in giving answers to such requests.

Ø  Doubts should be avoided in prayer because doubtful mind is like a wave of the sea, which is driven and tossed by the wind, such a person will receive nothing from God.

Ø  At the time of sickness, one should call the elders of the church to pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. He added that prayer of faith will save the sick, and the lord will raise him up.

EFFECTIVE PRAYER (James 5:13-18)

            James enjoined Christians to live a righteous life as sin is the greatest obstacle to prayer. He affirmed that the prayer of a righteous person has great effect before God. He sighted Elijah as an example. Elijah shared our nature, yet he sealed heaven for three years and six months and there was no rain. He then again prayed and the heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth fruits.

            Christians should therefore pray and confess their sins to another. Their sins will be forgiven them and their prayers heard.

            James taught also that our prayer should reflect our present circumstances, he advocates that if anyone among the believers is suffering, let him pray, is anyone cheerful, let him sing praises to God, is anyone sick, let him call for the elders of the church, who will pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the lord.

INEFFECTIVE PRAYER (James 4:1-3)

            In James’ opinion, the reason why the prayers of Christians are most of the times ineffective is because they prayed wrongly. God is all knowing, he knows our secret intentions; when our requests are not in accordance with his will for us, our prayer will be unanswered. This is where according to St. Paul, the spirit comes to our aid and intercedes for the faithful who gave him room in their lives. (cf. Rom.8:26)

JESUS TEACHING ON PRAYER

Mtt.6:7-13

            During his earthly life, Jesus taught his disciples the correct attitude to prayer. He cautioned them against imitating the hypocrite and the gentiles who love to pray along the streets just to attract peoples’ commendation. They should rather pray in the secret of their room with the door shut, for God who sees all done in secret will hear and answer them. He also taught them the Lord’s Prayer.

CLASSROOM EXERCISE

1.      Define Prayer in your own words.

2.      What is Prayer according to St James?

3.      What’s the major obstacle to Prayer according to St James?