I know prayer it is a touchy subject for many...because most don't pray. The reason: for many the subject of prayer is mute because the reality is...they don't feel righteous enough to pray. There is far too little understanding of being "in Christ" and resting from "our works" and resting in His work. We approach God on the basis of how good we have been or how good we feel today. But biblically speaking we are not going to be "good enough"...ever. That becomes the truth that will set you free. The path towards right standing with God isn't through works of righteousness. The works of righteousness come but the true sweet fruit of holiness grows out of a understanding the we are accepted, forgiven and righteous through the death and life of Christ.
The beauty of James 5:16, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" is the rest of the truth (verse) that goes with it.
But it is too often left out of the conversations, the rest of the verse says:
"Elijah was a man...with a nature like ours and he prayed...vs17.
Elijah was a man...
Elijah had a nature like ours...
He prayed...
If you know men and you know the "nature" that James is talking about...that should lighten your load today.
Even us men who struggle with a nature that is wild as a beast can pray...and God hears those prayers.
They prevail because Christ prevailed and removed the curtain that keeps us out and keeps God distant.
He poured his blood on the altar of God to wash away the stains that prevented us from offering holy prayers.
He cleansed us, redeemed us, reconciled us, set us apart, consecrated us, accepted us, took our punishment, gave us a freedom to approach a Throne of grace in times of need.
Is your "nature" preventing you from prayer today?
Elijah was a man just like you and he prayed...and seasons changed.
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