The Bible highlights two essential spiritual practices: studying God’s word and prayer.
When God became human, prayer was a central part of His earthly ministry.
In fact, the disciples were so impressed by Jesus’ prayer life that they specifically asked Him to teach them how to pray, resulting in the famous Lord’s Prayer.
Throughout the New Testament, the Apostles emphasized prayer. In the Book of Acts and the Epistles, believers were consistently encouraged to “pray without ceasing.”
Today, we’ll explore a powerful verse in James 5:16 that reveals the transformative power of prayer – which is, the meaning of the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man.
Many believers struggle with prayer, feeling that God doesn’t listen or responds too slowly.
Some even view answered prayers as mere coincidence. But don’t give up hope. Through God’s grace, we all have direct access to Him.
This message will renew your faith in God’s responsiveness and help you understand the incredible potential of fervent prayer.
By the end of this sermon, you’ll see prayer not as a hit-or-miss activity, but as a powerful connection with a loving, listening God who is eager to respond to the prayers of the righteous.
MY PERSONAL PRAYER POWER MIRACLES
I’ve experienced numerous miracles through prayer, but two stand out vividly.
Four years ago, a colleague was struggling to pay his rent. During my visit, I felt compelled to pray for just five minutes.
Remarkably, the very next day, he received a contract that not only covered his rent but provided extra financial blessing.
Another incredible incident involved an electrical engineer working on a complex installation in my neighborhood.
Before his arrival, I was moved to pray over the upcoming job. During the repair, something unexpected happened – he fell from a height that naturally would have caused severe loss of life.
To my amazement, he didn’t suffer any injury, which I believe was a direct result of prayer.
These experiences confirm a profound truth: prayer releases tremendous power. But where does this power originate, and who can access it?
Prayer isn’t just a religious ritual; it’s a powerful connection that can transform circumstances, protect lives, and bring unexpected solutions.
THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN
Our opening text is taken from James 5 vs 16:
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
What does the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much mean? Let’s break it down by looking at the Greek translation;
Effectual in Greek is “energoumenē” which means: “working”, “operative”, or “effective”, Implies active, dynamic power in operation or suggests prayer that is purposeful and producing real results.
Fervent in Greek is “ektenēs”, which translates to intense”, “stretched out”, or “earnest” It conveys passionate, persistent prayer and Indicates prayer offered with strong emotion and commitment.
Availeth much in Greek is “ischyei polú”, which means “has great strength/power”, suggests prayer that produces substantial, significant results and Indicates prayer’s ability to effect meaningful change.
We all want to effect meaningful change in our lives and see results when we pray but how? Read James 5 vs 16 carefully again and slowly.
The verse didn’t say Prayer alone makes tremendous power available but the PRAYER of a RIGHTEOUS MAN makes tremendous Power available.
Prayer on its own is not the power, but RIGHTEOUSNESS in a man is the POWER!
So, what makes prayer powerful at all is because the man is RIGHTEOUS or the man has RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jesus) in him. Halleluiah!
Jesus is the POWER! He’s in you. Never see yourself as useless or powerless again. You have POWER inside of you no matter how you feel.
Let’s see the book of Ephesians, where Apostle Paul was praying for the Church – Ephesians 1 vs 19 – 21.
Verse 19: And so that you can know and understand what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His might strength,
Verse 20: Which he exerted in Christ when he raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places
Verse 21: Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, above every title that can be conferred, not only in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.
Here, Apostle Paul was praying that we understand the unlimited, immeasurable, and surpassing greatness of His power that is IN us and FOR us.
This POWER that is IN us and FOR us is the SAME POWER that raised Christ Jesus from the Dead, it is this POWER that changes circumstances.
Ephesians 3 vs 16 and 20:
Verse 16: May he grant you out of his rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality.
Verse 20: Now to Him who by in consequence of the action of His power that is at work within us, is able to carry out His purpose and do superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams.
From Ephesians 3 vs 20, you can see that this same POWER is at WORK within us already, gone are the days when we say; I will look upon the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord.
Rather, we know that HELP is from the inside. We have HELP within us. POWER to cause change comes from WITHIN US. Glory!!
I Corinthians 1 vs 24: But to those who are called, whether Jew or Greek (Gentile), Christ is the POWER of God and the WISDOM of God.
Prayer only activates the power within according to I Corinthians 1 vs 24.
Did you know that the Believer doesn’t have a faith problem but a knowledge problem, that’s why in all my writings I emphasize why we should study God’s word always.
Let’s continue this teaching as we look at the phrase “a righteous man”
THE GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Who is a righteous man? Let’s see 1 Corinthians 1 vs 30:
But of him are ye in CHRIST JESUS, who of God is MADE UNTO US WISDOM, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS, and sanctification, and redemption:
Jesus is righteousness personified, our righteousness, because he is a righteous man.
Therefore, a man who has Jesus in him is righteous. This same Jesus who is righteousness personified is also called THE POWER OF GOD as seen in I Corinthians 1 vs 24.
Prayer without righteousness (Jesus) is a waste of time and saliva. Prayer without a focus on Jesus who is both RIGHTEOUSNESS and POWER, is powerless!
Sadly, many believers because of wrong teachings have been made to focus so much on prayer leaving out the knowledge of who Jesus is, for when we see Jesus, we know ourselves.
Again, wrong teaching is the reason why many believers pray for hours every day without results because they pray amiss.
ARDENT PRAYER MEANING
Ardent prayer refers to prayer offered with intense passion, earnestness, and deep emotional commitment.
The word “ardent” comes from the Latin “ardere,” meaning “to burn,” suggesting prayer that burns with sincere devotion and wholehearted dedication.
Ardent prayer is characterized by:
- Intensity of feeling: Prayer offered with strong emotion and deep conviction
- Passionate devotion: A burning desire to connect with God and see His will accomplished
- Persistent engagement: Not casual or routine, but prayer that demands one’s full attention and energy
- Heartfelt sincerity: Genuine, authentic communication that comes from the depths of one’s being
Ardent prayer goes beyond mere words or ritual; it involves the entire person – mind, heart, and spirit – in earnest communion with God.
FERVENCY PRAYER DEFINITION IN THE BIBLE
Biblical fervency in prayer is most clearly illustrated in James 5:16, which speaks of “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man.”
Again, as we explained above, the Greek word used for “fervent” is “energeo,” which means to be “active, effective”, or “powerful in operation”.
Biblical characteristics of fervent prayer include:
- Earnestness and urgency: Prayer offered with serious intent and pressing concern
- Spiritual energy: Prayer that is spiritually active and dynamic, not lukewarm or halfhearted
- Persistent dedication: Continuing in prayer despite obstacles or delayed answers
- Righteousness of heart: Prayer flowing from a right relationship with God which is as a result of you believing the Gospel.
Biblical examples of fervent prayer:
- Elijah’s prayer (James 5:17-18): His fervent prayer stopped and then brought rain
- Hannah’s prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-16): Her intense, emotional prayer for a child
- Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44): Praying so fervently that His sweat became like drops of blood
Fervent prayer in the biblical context is not about volume or emotion alone, but about the spiritual intensity and effectiveness that comes from a heart aligned with God’s will and purposes.
It represents prayer that is both passionate and purposeful, combining deep feeling with unwavering faith.
EXPLANATION OF THE EXAMPLES OF FERVENT PRAYER IN THE BIBLE
A good example of fervent prayer is in James 5 vs 17 – 18, where Elijah prayed for rain to stop and prayed again for the heavens to send down rain (1 Kings 17 vs1 and 1 Kings 18 vs 42 – 45)
That means Elijah was an example of a righteous man. But when and how did Elijah become righteous? Does it mean that Elijah believed the Gospel? Well, that is a sermon for another day.
Elijah’s prayer was fervent, continuous, and persistent for we see him asking his servant to go and check if it was raining several times with his head in between his knees.
THE TYPE OF PRAYER THAT GUARANTEES 100% ANSWERS ALL THE TIME
What Is True Prayer?
Prayer isn’t about begging God or bringing Him a list of complaints. It’s not about performing religious rituals.
Effective, biblical prayer, the kind that gets results 100% of the time, is communicating with God based on the FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST!
It’s like having a conversation while standing on solid ground, and that ground is Christ’s finished work.
Why is this important? Because Jesus’ sacrifice perfectly satisfied God the Father, for all time.
We see this clearly in two powerful moments: First at the Jordan River, and later on the mountain of transfiguration, where God declared, “This is my beloved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to Him” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5).
Here’s the beautiful truth: You don’t need to struggle to please God through your efforts. By being in Christ, you’re already accepted and loved.
Think of it this way – you’re in Christ, and Christ is in you, so the Father’s love for Jesus extends to you too.
This understanding should shape how we approach God in prayer. Instead of focusing on our worthiness, we come to God presenting what Jesus is and what He has done.
As 2 Peter 1:3 tells us, God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness through our relationship with Jesus.
Remember, when you pray, you’re not starting from zero – you’re starting from victory, because of Jesus.
Stay Blessed!
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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