James 5:16-18, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again, he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."

1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing."

Think

Why do we find it so difficult to pray? Most of us would say that our lack of prayer is a discipline problem. We don't pray for the same reason that we don't work out regularly or eat healthy. We resolve to do better, but our attempts fall short. But could it be that our prayer problem has more to do with theology than discipline? It's not that we have bad habits, but bad beliefs. We lack certainty that anything really happens when we pray.

James tells us that the prayer of a good man accomplishes much. He then refers to the Old Testament prophet Elijah - who accomplished amazing feats in the Lord's name - stating that he wasn't unique, but a regular person. James' point was that Elijah was just like us! We should be encouraged that OUR prayers will have great effect - like stopping the rain for three and a half years. No, God hasn't called all of us to lead a showdown between God and a false god, like Elijah, but His Word makes it clear - prayer is powerful and effective!

A robust prayer life does not come out of dedication to rules and regulations - although structure helps - but from the overflow of a heart that recognizes God's love. It's not about saying the right words in the right way with the right posture. Effective prayer is knowing that God invites us to talk with Him any time about anything with the confidence that He hears and will answer!

Act

Make a conscious choice to talk with God throughout the day. Write the word PRAY on your hand with ink as a reminder to talk with God today anytime, anywhere, about anything.

Pray

Dear God, I'm thankful that I can talk with You about anything, and that my prayers really do matter. Help me be aware of Your presence throughout this day and know that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. In Jesus' name, Amen.