Last Things First
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16 NASB
Effective – This verse is so important that we need to pay attention to nearly every word. Today we look at the first word in English, which actually translates two words in Greek. The Greek text reveals an adjective and a verb that means “much strength.” The verb here is ischuo. It carries the sense of being able to accomplish, have the power to do or be strong and effective. In some uses, it can mean to overcome or prevail. Paul uses this verb in his famous statement, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus.” Here the word is present tense, active. It is a “doing it right now” word.
There is a lot of power in this word. But James adds polu and enhances this already strong verb. It is not just powerful; it is very powerful, exceedingly strong, able to overcome much, prevailing against whatever stands in the way. The combination in Greek is not about strength on tap. It is not a reservoir waiting to be unleashed. The Greek tells us that this prayer is actively doing what it intends to do.
I have always been an intense person. I am one of those people who usually goes for it. My wife says I incite discomfort. Unfortunately, that characteristic was also true of my sins. I actively made them happen. God showed me that all the activity I expended for myself was futile. Now He is showing me something else about the mad dash to get things done. He is showing me that I need to pray more and work less.
Most of us come to prayer after we have tried everything else. We scramble around looking for “visible” answers to our problems. We go to the drawing board. We plan. We promote. We hustle. We do everything but the one thing that the Bible tells us is the most powerful active resource we have. Prayer is not the end, it is the beginning. Today is the day to start like this: “In the beginning is exceedingly strong petition.”
Some verses in the Scriptures scare me (for example, “I never knew you”). Some verses humiliate me (“If you love me you will keep my commandments”). But some verses cause me intense emotional agony, even discouragement. James’ verse is one of these. I know that I should be exuberant at the thought of the power of prayer, but quite often I am not. Why not? Because I fall so far short of what James has in mind. My prayers are not anything like the prayer that He describes. My prayers are struggles – with myself, with my past and with my trust in God. It’s hard to imagine that they are powerfully effective and that leads me to think that maybe I am not a righteous man.
What can I do about this? Perhaps the answer is also the struggle. Perhaps the answer is prayer.
Topical Index: James 5:16, prayer, effective, polu ischuei
excellent
This is exactly what I needed. I have been kind of getting this message in other ways. I too fall far short. I am really looking forward to the rest of this verse. I know that Yah is sending a message to us all, and I believe we had better act on it. I have often wondered about this and really wonder how we should pray. Again, thanks.
Maybe our idea of prayer is upside down. I’ve found that the strength of prayer is in praise and thanks; not in requests or questions. Not to say that requests/questions are not part of prayer, or that struggles are any less a part of prayer, but even in our lowest valley we can find something to be thankful for. Authentic, consistent prayers of praise and thanks are a road to contentment, happiness, and appreciation. It keeps us looking back at our history of struggles and triumphs to remind us where God has carried us, and where He has let us learn things the hard way. Maybe our challenge is to examine our past to see where God was; in order to see where He will be in the future, which results in prayer of praise and thanks.
Amein to this, Dan!
Praise, thanksgiving and worship does wonders, when we are overwhelmed, and at a loss for words, but YHWH knows what’s in our hearts, and all our needs.
Dear Skip this kind of teaching you shared is the thing I like from you, may YHWH bless you and your family more and more , and todah for sharing the OR you got , mazal tov
Hi Antonio,
Am I to take this to mean that you don’t like the other stuff I work on? 🙂 I hope you find it ALL useful, perhaps some more immediately relevant than others.
I would LOVE see a study by you on what is commonly called “The Lord’s Prayer” and about prayer in general (how, content, etc.). Great stuff as always, Skip!
Ah, but I have done that. There is an audio file called “the Hebrew view of prayer.” And I teach an online class at Master’s on this subject. Plus a few years ago I wrote an entire series of TW’s on prayer which are now incorporated and expanded into either Vol 2 or 3 of Spiritual Restoration. You can order the books and the audio on the web site.
I’ll try to order those materials in the near future. Thanks for making me aware of them!
Hi Skip,
I’m totally with you when you say “its hard to imagine that they are powerfully effective and that leads me to think that I’m not a righteous man”.
I empathise with that statement entirely.
When this happens is this not a case of us putting the cart before the horse. Is it not because we have been given righteousness as a gift that our prayers are effective – whatever we feel about it. The very fact that we are driven to pray is surely a sign of His work in us however much of a struggle. I have no doubt that Jesus in Gethsemane was not without struggle but His prayer certainly accomplished much.
Maybe the stuggle is necessary as prayer always drives movement and change and ushers in the Kingdom to a world that resists it.
I suppose also righteousness is about dependancy on the Lord and not about our power. Maybe the requirement of submission to His will which is an inevitable consequence of prayer “let thy will be done” which is always easier said than done is another reason why we struggle.
So perhaps our struggles are more related to issues of obedient response than they are to our righteousness which has been gifted to us.
It seems to me that “righteousness” is used in two distinct ways in Scripture. One way is the use that you mention – a gift given because of need, related to the Hebrew word hen – grace. That is righteousness (right standing) offered by YHWH to Abraham and to us, not because we diod anything but simply because God is motived by His love.
But then there seems to be another usage. Righteousness is also a description of the character of someone who obeys. Righteous acts are not gifted, they are produced. This kind of righteousness is very much in our hands. It comes from obedience. Job is a perfect example. I suspect that the righteousness that is at issue in the Garden (both of them) is about a righteousness that comes from obedience.
Now, in my opinion, James is speaking about the second usage. That’s what scares me. On the first usage, I see that YHWH’s selection and gift bring me into fellowship. But once I accept His offer, hesed applies and I am obligated to faithful loyalty. Should I not produce such loyalty, then it seems to me that I disqualify myself from effective prayer. I think about the parable of the servant with the enormous debt. His subsequent actions disqualified him from the initial forgiveness. Scary stuff!
Thanks for the comment Skip. This is so critical I can’t let it go just yet. Excuse my ramblings previously, I was just typing as I was thinking. Apologies to other bloggers too as I will always tend write all of my thoughts as I go rather than just get to the point.
The second type of righteousness you described (a description of someone who obeys) can be seen in 1John2:29 when it is written “everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him” – so point taken on that one!
1 John is such a difficult letter though because it is full of all of that stuff that makes us wonder “who can be saved?”
Such as: “He who says “I know Him,” and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him”,
“whoever is born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he CANNOT sin, because he has been born of God”
“He who sins is of the devil….”
As you say all scary stuff and doesn’t give us room for comfort!
Added to which “good trees can’t bear bad fruit” and vice versa. It sort of puts us very definitely into one camp or another. Righteous or Unrighteous.
It only seems to get worse! Except – it is also written in 1 John
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – A reprieve!
What’s John talking about? He says that we all sin and so therefore implies nobody can be born of Him as those born of Him cannot sin. There has to be more too it.
It seems therefore that true confession of our sins is critical to maintaining that standing of righteousness when our actions fail to meet the required standard.
So coming back to the original point, a life of continued true repentance and confession (making us cleansed from unrighteousness) combined with practicing righteousness would make us righteous and put us in a place where our prayers will accomplish much.
Actually – John’s comment in 1 John 3:9 would suggest that the righteousness ‘the gift’ cannot be considered distinct from righteousness ‘from obedience’. I say this because if He is (fully) in us – we cannot sin. Of course that issue is addressed beforehand in 1 John 1:8. Obedience therefore determines how much we allow Him to be ‘in us’.
I’ve heard you teach on being ‘in Christ’ and how that’s like moving house from one city to another. Everything changes. But what if that move just takes time, and it’s OK for it to take time? Is what I’m suggesting possible?
It was a 40 year journey to get from slavery to the promised land – not an instant relocation but a long long journey. There were lessons to learn and some major consequences to suffer and the nation got there even if the original people didn’t.
Perhaps that’s why on the way YHWH decribed Himself to Israel as “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” as He was leading them?
Just some further remarks to add to the discussion
1. I have written a lot about 1 John. If you search the web site for any particular verse in that letter, you might find further comments.
2. While I take your point about the two uses of “righteousness” being tied together, I would note that the generation that entered the wilderness DIED in the wilderness because they were not able to live out the gift God gave. Again, scary! Sometimes apparently 40 years is not long enough
3. And yes, without Exodus 34:6-7 we are all lost.
Andy – excellent point! I too, am inclined to believe that the struggle is somehow an intricate part of the act of praying. Your reference to Jesus in Gethsemane was excellent! I believe that prayer involves struggling to pray. The struggle involves coming to the end of our self-sufficency – in other words “becoming weak” – it is our willful turning to God—the disrobing of self and the submission of our will to engage with Him in conversation and being transformed by the encounter. When we have discovered the defeceincy in our self-sufficency, we discover God’s presence, who is with us always. Then, prayer becomes holy communion with the eternal God who is our Abba! And, the place where you have stood in all of your struggles, suddenly becomes holy ground because you are consciously aware that GOD IS… Prayer then becomes a blessed privilege which we gladly endeavor to do because we have received God’s reward: the conscious awareness of his presence, quickening our spirit to the reality of His love for us, to us,
in us, and through us (Heb. 11:6). And when we bend the knee to incline our ear to the heart of God, there will be the struggle that we would have to break through, however, we will gladly engage ourselves because we have the memory of touching the hem of His blessed garment! By faith we believe, but faith coupled with experience strenghtens our faith even the more. I am grateful that we are having this discussion. Mr. Skip – I appreciate you and your followers! ;0)
Thanks Skip.
Every time I read James 5:16 it will now be even more important and more meaningful.
John
Skip – Once again TW has provided exactly what God knows I need for success on the journey I’m beginning. This ‘prayer’ will result in changes which clearly show that God has done all good things and all glory and praise belong to Him. Wow! What power! What hope! Thank you. Susan
Skip,
Painfully applicable for me as well. Thank you!
Our prayer may be exactly the same today, as it was ‘yesterday’.. for we, who are followers of the Way, may also petition our Master, the risen LORD Jesus (who is the) Christ, “LORD, teach us to pray..” (Luke 11.1-3)
He would be delighted to do so, and prayer becomes for us, for those who are His, not a drudgery, not a duty, but a delight. It is wonderful to pray. Whether soaring, singing, or sighing, all prayer draws us near to the Unseen, yet very Present, Master and Commander of the Universes and the ONE who is our Father. Effective prayer? Yes. God does business with those who mean business. God don’t play.
Have you ever prayed? Not rote repetition, but prayer “straight from the heart.” ~If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and the Truth is not in us..~ Agreed? Are we sinners? Absolutely. Positively. I’ll show you (publicly) how it’s “done.” I (gasp!) am a sinner. And not only “a” sinner, but “the” sinner. I have met the enemy and he is me. I’m the one to blame,- I am the one He bled and died for. Me.
(But) God has provided a Lamb, a substitutionary Sacrifice for (my) sins. I provide the sinner, God has provided the Sacrifice, a Savior, a Substitute. Do you agree (confess- say the same thing as) with this?-
~ Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst ~ (1 Timothy 1.15) Move over Paul, a new “sinner” has arrived, – Is there room at the cross for me? (Hallelujah, -Yes!)
What prayer will the Father hear?- and what prayer will He gladly, fully, freely,- quickly answer? It is this one ( I know -experientially) this to be true (amen!) It is this prayer, one that has been offered and answered thousands of times- “LORD, save me.” Short, simple, fervent, effective.
When Peter was on his way down and destined for destruction; when Peter took his eyes off the Savior, and placed them upon his circumstances- down he went- and quickly. Peter knew (experientially) the meaning of the word “effective!” It means “from the heart.” Peter did not have the luxury of time to compose some flowery, drawn out “much speaking” prayer. No, not at all- this prayer was possibly shouted and with dilated, fearful, tear-filled wild-eyes. But Peter knew where “salvation” (deliverance) was to be found- and he once again looked to the ONE, (the only ONE) who could save him and cried the simplest prayer posssible: “LORD, save me.” Did Yeshua HaMashiach answer this (very effective) short, but spoken (shouted?) prayer of Peter? Ask Peter, -let him testify..
Oh give thanks with a grateful heart, Hallelujah, -Jesus ransomed me.. and again, ~ what do the scriptures say? ~ For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the LORD – shall be saved ~ For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the LORD – shall be saved. (Romans 10.13)
May any man, any woman do this? Ask and you will receive. I ask that my sins be forgiven. Is Christ capable of forgiving sins? (stupid question of the year award?) Ask, and you will receive. Far, far too simple, -isn’t it? Some people are bothered by simplicity. I must be a simple man, for I love simplicity in all its majesty. ~ For “whosoever” shall call upon the Name of the LORD.. Who (he asked) is included in the “whosoevers?” Why, that would be me- I’m one of them! Hallelujah!- Jesus ransomed me!
~ But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our LORD Jesus (the) Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world ~ (Galatians 6.14)
I boast not of works or tell of good deeds
For naught have I done to merit His grace
All glory and praise shall rest upon Him
So willing to die in my place
I will glory in the cross
In the cross
Lest His suffering all be in vain
I will weep no more for the cross that He bore
I will glory in the cross
My trophies and crowns, my robe stained with sin
Twas all that I had to lay at His feet
Unworthy to eat from the table of Life
Till Love made provision for me
I will glory in the cross
In the cross
Lest His suffering all be in vain
I will weep no more for the cross that He bore
I will glory in the cross.
And this, from one who was blind, but with more vision than most of us will ever have..
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain,
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the River.
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and Mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed His beams around me.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With it’s shadows o’er me.
Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever,
Till my ransomed soul shall find
Rest beyond the River.
Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sov’reign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I?
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the Light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine,
His soul in anguish stood.
Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature’s sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can ne’er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, LORD, I give myself away,
’Tis all that I can do.
At the cross, at the cross – where I first saw the Light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!
~ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved -it is the power of God ~ (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Thank You for the cross LORD
Thank You for the price You paid
Bearing all my sin and shame
In love You came
And gave amazing grace
Thank You for this love, LORD
Thank You for the nail-pierced hands
Wash me in Your cleansing flow
Now all I know
-Your forgiveness and embrace
Worthy is the Lamb
Seated on the throne
We crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious
High and lifted up
Jesus Son of God
The darling of heaven crucified
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb.
Have you seen this Man?
~ and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted..~ (Matthew 28.17)
Yes, I have seen this man. You can tell the ones who have seen Him, they choke back tears at the mention of His name, He takes their breath away as He draws near, he is the author of romance, He loves with more passion than Solomon could imagine, seems feeding the insatiable soul is not the path into Him. Lets all meet with Him, just waste your life on pursuing another touch from the one who knows your name. Wait for Him to show up for you, you won’t be disappointed.
It is so sacred, the secret place where He alone is worthy. I would like to read about who was He to you when you last saw Him? What was He wearing? What did He say? What did He do? What did He show you? Where did He take you? Who are you to Him? These are what life is about, there is more wealth in an encounter than any of us could ever make in a lifetime, especially if you can see Him smile!
Yes, Sharon, – that’s Him!! The ONE who is worthy! The Lamb who was slain, worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
I am always searching for the balance, and correct me if I’m wrong, but I still have a hard time finding it. Yes, we are called to righteousness, and a whole generation died in the desert because they did not heed the Word, they did not reflect in their hearts and actions what they had seen, the manifest presence of G-d with them. And then there is the Lamb. So at the end, i guess we must remember that He knows our innermost thoughts, and our prayers, as David’s, must come from our reality, whether they are struggles or gratitud or grief or desperation or plain cries of sorrow. And our struggle must be to bring all those feelings and behaviors to Him in honesty. Why are we expecting forgiveness if we are unable to forgive ourselves? How long will we struggle and pray over the same issues? When will we release ourselves from the past, or from sins He has already forgiven us for? I think our biggest sin is to seek perfection, which is only His. David was a man after His own heart, and his greatest virtue was that he ran to God even during his darkest and most sinful hour. Let’s pour ourselves out to the Lord in prayer, and then let go of what He has already let go.
One more thing:
Human being, you have already been told what is good, what the Lord demands of you – no more than to act justly, love grace and walk with purity with your God. Micah 6:8
Amein, Bessy!
One of my favourite verses! It reminds me what is pleasing to YHWH.
My version says:
O man, what is good; and what does YHWH require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your YHWH Elohim.
How beautiful that is to our hearts.
Enjoying your articles on prayer! Will there be audios of these teachings available for purchase after the series? Prayer is communication with God: asking questions, receiving answers, seeking, finding, hearing his voice, and responding obediently to what He says. However, when prayer is practiced, we struggle to move beyond the place where only our voice is heard by us. The word “communicate” infers that prayer is an act that is reciprocal; it is the process by which we enter into intercourse with our Eternal Father. Thus, prayer becomes a transforming experience whereby we have taste of God’s presence and we now see from God’s perspective. Transforming prayer takes time spent in prayer (asking, seeking, knocking [Mt. 7:7]). I mentioned these things to get to one point – the struggle to pray is very necessary – as a matter of fact, it is a part of the act of praying (in my opinion). Even the man most dedicated to praying – struggles to get beyond the barrier of self so that he might commune with God. Excellent article! ;0)
I have taught a graduate class on prayer several times and some of it has been recorded. I think the part on the Hebrew and Greek words for prayer. No one has asked for this before so I’ll have to look when I get home. There is a short version on the web site products list already.
I really appreciate you taking time out to respond to my request. I’ll check the short version while waiting for the longer – teehee;0)
Suspose you pray with all of your heart and with tears and love. And the day passes, the time passed and you prayed with faith and it seems like God just didn’t hear. At this point I just don’t even know how to ask the question. I love America but feel like the blood and work and tears of our forefathers has just been poured out on the ground.