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Sermon Outline



James 5:13-18

Our goal in this series is to deepen our understanding about the role of prayer in our lives and to discover new prayers we should be praying.

Just a few passages before this one, we get a passage that is both trivialized and ignored. James 4:2-3

We will talk about this more, but motive is a foundational concept to successful prayer.

Prayer is a kingdom of God concept: that does not mean it is exclusive to Christians.

Acts 2:42-43

Main Points.
  • Why is this prayer in the Bible? What is
     the context of the prayer?
  • What does the prayer say?
  • What does it teach us about prayer?
  • What would happen if God answered that prayer?

James 5:16

James 5:16 is a powerful and challenging passage in many ways.

Why all the wording differences? It’s about the translation process.

If you want word for word translation, here it is
  • much
  • accomplishes
  • prayer
  • of a righteous person
  • effective

What the KJV translates as “effectual fervent” is one word.
This has always been a source of discussion in the translation.When the translators translated it into Latin, they used a word that clearly means “persistent.”

James helps us here because he gives an illustration. He alludes to Elijah and 3 ½ years without rain. 1 Kings 17-18

1 Kings 18:41–46

Seven times he prayed and looked for the answer.
Sounds like persistent and fervent prayer.

It is the prayer of a righteous man.
  • We qualify because we are doing what we know to do.
  • We qualify when we rest under the covering of Jesus.
  • We qualify when we are praying in the will of God.

Prayer is powerful.  It is not just something we do, but prayer calls the forces of God to action.

Prayer stops the rain - stops the blessing of God.
Prayer brings the rain - releases the blessing of God.

Are you praying for the blessing of God on family, friends, pastors, churches?

One translator said, “Prayer is powerful in its effect.”

How should we righteously pray?
James 5:16


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