Praying Purposely

This season has seen serious efforts of prayers worldwide, focused on the pandemic that has affected people from all walks of life. Though prayer is the best option for a man to do in times of desperation and helplessness, we wonder how many prayers are directed to the Almighty God and how much of a change has taken place in the persons and communities who offered prayers of all kinds. Let us learn from James, the brother of Jesus who wrote a letter to the early Christians and his emphasis on purposeful prayers. Let us discover the following from James 5:13-18.

• Personal Prayer (v.13). “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” Prayer ultimately is a personal matter, where a man/woman relates to the Personal God, Who responds to the requests and supplications. A person’s heart, soul, mind, and body is surrendered in obedience to the Word of God and he/she engages in a spiritual conversation and presents the needs and expects to hear from God. The Lord wants to deal with individuals and he does speaks to chosen people and challenges them and bring His purpose through them as they follow His voice and directives.
• Pastoral Prayer (v.14). God has given ministers in the Church to serve the needs of the body of Christ. James wrote, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray”; this is a duty of the Christian brother or sister who is sick to invite them, report to them and bring them over to pray for healing. The elders are spiritual leaders who have the spiritual welfare of the members of the church. Calling out an evangelist or a distant “miracle worker” is not the biblical order. The priority of the pastoral prayer should not be underestimated.

• Positive Prayer (v.15). “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven”.These are words that are very affirmative and filled with surety and positive results when acted upon in faith. The prayer of faith is a positive prayer, pregnant with a positive outcome, and prayed by positive people who dare to trust God and take Him by His word.
• Penitential Prayer (v.16). This is prayer with confession, repentance, and reconciliation. “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another that you may be healed.” Prayer on purpose will have to get rid of any “uneven circumstances” and hindrances that prevent God from responding to our prayers. There should not be any disagreements or divisions between brothers and sisters in the church when we approach the throne of God. We must be humble enough to say sorry and get along with fellow believers regardless of their differences.
• Prevention Prayer (v.17). “Elijah….. prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.” Can we do that? All things are possible with them that believe. When God is pleased with us and we have a consistent and strong relationship with Him, and we pray for things to be stopped for His glory, it will happen. When the enemy comes with his schemes of destruction and distortion, we have the authority and power given in the name of Jesus to pray and prevent him from doing any harm. A prayer of restraint is needed at times.
• Provision Prayer (v.18). “And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain…”. God’s provision is at times missed by some believers, just because they did not ask or appropriate it. Elijah was able to pray and open the heavens that had stopped giving rain and dew by a prayer of provision. Believers have been given access to the presence of God to pray down the provision of God as and when needed. May our prayers be on purpose to see God and pray to grant His favor’s and provisions upon His people for His glory?  
• Productive Prayer (v.18 b) .” …. And the earth produced its fruit”. Productive prayers are prayers that are offered with preparation and on purpose. The reason for barrenness in our spiritual and community life is due to the lack of connectivity and consistent relationship. Jesus our Lord gave the illustration of the fruitfulness in the example of the vine and the branches (John 15:1-8). Our prayers are answered when we are abiding/remaining in Christ and our lives are more fruitful as the followers of Christ. Prayer, purpose, and productivity are connected and Christians are called to pray differently and make a difference.

God bless you.

Pastor Joe Kurian