"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much." (James 5:16b.) The key in this verse is the word `righteous'. We have right standing with God through our Lord Jesus. Only sin can interfere with a Christian's righteousness. The Apostle James deals with that subject along with John, in I John 2:1.

Prayer is a powerful weapon and when used by a righteous child of God, it gets awesome results.
Paul makes a powerful statement in I Tim. 2:1-4; "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

When the righteous pray they should expect results. Fervent prayer (supplication) with thanksgiving equates to intercession. Prayer that creates a godly atmosphere and affects people and governments is not accomplished in a few minutes or by only a few saints. Too many Christians have become like the efficiency expert who typed out his prayer, tacked it on the wall over his bed and each night
upon retiring simply said, "Lord, ditto."

The time has come for prayer to be restored in the life of every Believer, and concert prayer in the Church. Prayer time before every service should be a fixed part of the order of the service. Day-long prayer meetings and all-night prayer meetings ought to once again become routine among our churches and the saints.

To develop a prayer life one must keep his or her flesh crucified. Allowing the desires of the flesh to direct our lives robs God's people of their spiritual power. Jesus instructs, "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36.)

Paul encourages us to, " Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks..." (I Thes. 5:16-18.)

Jesus teaches, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Matt. 6:6.)

If ever the time has come for the Body of Christ to follow divine instructions, it is NOW!