Day 3—“If my people…will pray”

James 5:16b (AMP)
The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

That’s the amplified version. The more common version says that the fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. To make it even shorter and clearer—serious prayer is very effective!

Although “righteous” living is necessary for a powerful prayer life, remember that the righteous person in the verse above is righteous through the free gift of righteousness received by faith in Jesus Christ. The status was not earned. 

As we enter day three of 21 Days of Prayer, let’s turn up the heat! With the verse above in mind, let’s put forth effort to make sure that our prayer is earnest, heartfelt, and continued (or persistent).

Remember that prayer is not always directed at God. Effective prayer can go in one of four directions. Cover all four during these 21 days!

1. Toward God.
This is what we most often think of as prayer—talking to God. 

Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV84)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

2. Toward the mountain (the problem).

Mark 11:23 (NIV84)
“I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.

3. Toward the enemy.

Matthew 4:10–11 (NLT)
“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” 11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

4. Toward (about) yourself (confessing over yourself who/and whatGod says you are)

Philemon 6 (NKJV)
that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.