James 5:16 – “…the effectual (effective) FERVENT prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much.”

As I prayed, pondered, read, and meditated upon the Word, the LORD, and Life, something in Acts 12 captured my thoughts, challenged my heart, and inspired me.

Capture this scene in your mind: Peter was in prison, awaiting execution.  His peace allowed him to sleep in the middle of his personal storm.  That is powerful.  The church was praying fervently for him.   The angel hit him in the side to wake him up and lead him out of prison.  Peter thought he was dreaming until he was on the street.   This was a powerful visitation but without Expectation.

He went to John Mark’s house, and Rhoda heard and recognized his voice (Revelation), but in her jubilation of her Revelation, she did not open the door.  (How many people today see or hear something but fail to open the door?)  She told the others her Revelation, and they said, “You are out of your mind!”  (Typical religious response).

But Peter kept knocking (Revelation does not go away).  Finally, they opened the door and were amazed.   Think about that!   They had been praying Fervently but without Expectation.

How often do we pray Fervently and Earnestly but without genuine Expectation?   How often are the promises of God theoretical to us but devoid of real Expectation that they will become present realities?

James 5:16 – “…the effectual (effective) FERVENT prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much.”

Effectual or Effective Prayer – is based on Faith and filled with Expectation.  When Revelation comes, open the door.  When a need is prayed about, be fervent and have Expectation.  God does not fail and will honor our confidence in His honesty.

The question is, “What do you need?”    First, ask Him His purpose.  Then, pray with fervency and with Expectation.    Don’t just report the Revelation.  Open the door to its fulfillment.   If we pray effectively and fervently (with seriousness and urgency) coupled with Expectation, God will move!

Have a wonderful day in Jesus, and pray with expectancy!