“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
(James 5: 16)
Just recently one of my dear friends had to undergo a very serious operation and unfortunately a severe infection invaded the site after the procedure. She was very ill and needed a powerful antibiotic to help combat it. Eventually she was allowed to go home but still the infection persisted. Our church placed her name on our prayer team’s list then as we all contacted other churches in our area three more large churches also began praying for her When she was being sent home her family took her to the local Red Cross, who lent essential equipment to patients who needed it. One of the volunteers came to help her and was amazed to see the name on the list, she exclaimed with joy, “I have been praying for healing for you, I am so grateful to God for allowing me to see you.” My friend was equally touched to meet one of the Lord’s faithful prayer warriors who would pray fervent prayers for someone she did not know.
When James is writing to the followers of Jesus, he impresses upon them the pressing need to pray for others and he also reminds us that we can go to ask for prayer for ourselves.
“Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5: 14)
The answer to that prayer is so reassuring.
“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, the Lord will raise him up.” (James 5: 15)
Often when watching the news, we see horrific happenings impacting people their children and loved ones. Just recently there was a terrible shooting at a school in the United States. Pictures of grieving parents was heart breaking to watch, but even if we don’t know them, we can pray for comfort and compassion for them
As well our world is in a turmoil with war and inhuman treatment of others, so sometimes we feel there is nothing we can do, but there is. When Jesus was teaching his disciples and us how to pray, he says these powerful words.
“Deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6: 13)
Some versions use these powerful words.
“Deliver us from the evil one.”
We may have said those words countless times without really thinking of the deep meaning of what they mean. Jesus would not have given us those words unless they were meaningful. We can ask God to intervene where evil is rampant. We can also add our prayers to those words praying for believers all over the world to shine a light in the darkness to stand up boldly for God’s word.
So, let us practice praying for others even those we do not know.
God Speaking 
Thank you once again Jo for your blog reminding us of the power of prayer. Nora gave me the following little prayer many years ago. “Lord bless those who have no one to remember them, no one to prayer for them. Those in illness and or pain, the dying, the bereaved, the bewildered, those bound up in chains of drugs or alcohol , those who have been driven to despair. Lord hear my prayer.”
Hope Easter was a special time for you and family.
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By: Mary Penfold on April 10, 2023
at 15:26
Dear Jo – It is Easter Sunday and your words encouraging us to pray not only for each other but for those we do not know fit so beautifully into the Resurrection story. Jesus dispelled the fear and anxiety that had set in among his family and friends at his death by coming back to be seen by them. He answered their prayers. Your lovely story of the prayers for your sick friend being offered by people who did not know her strengthens our belief that He is listening when we pray. I join my prayers woth yours today Jo for all your family and friends and those we do not know but need our prayers. (Sorry to be so long-winded, but it is a very special day for us all isn‘t。it？）
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By: Jo Mercer on April 8, 2023
at 16:23