James, the brother of Jesus, must have had an unusual relationship with his sibling. He only came to believe that Jesus was the Son of God and the Messiah after Christ’s resurrection; familial ties changed to something much more. It is James who led the church in Jerusalem. It is James who tells you how great is the power of prayer.

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 5:16

His example is Elijah. Because Israel’s sin of idolatry was so great, Elijah had prayed to God to hold the rain. For three-and-a-half years there was a drought. When Elijah believed there had been repentance in the land, he prayed fervently and persistently for God to send the rain. Elijah called upon Him to fulfill His promise. And He did.

How’s your prayer life? As a believer, prayer is your privilege. Know the Lord and His promises so you can have an intimate relationship with Him and can understand how to pray within His will. Give power to your prayers with sincere confession, unselfishness and dependence on His Word. Then intercede for the leaders of this nation that they would turn their hearts to God to know and to do what He wills.

Recommended Reading: I Kings 17:1-5; 18:1-2, 41-46