James 5:16-18

Examples of Prayers of the Faithful

James encouraged those in the first century church to keep on confessing their sins to one another and to keep on praying one for another. A similar concept is found in 1 John 1:7 where the apostle of love urged his readers to keep on walking in the light so they could have the continual cleansing of the Lord's blood. Note that no one is set above another in the church. All are enjoined to confess to one another. All should desire the healing power of God's and the brethren's forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24). When one who does the Lord's will petitions him, God promises such a prayer has much power (James 5:16).

Elijah was used by James as an example of a man, with the same weaknesses and desires as other men, who had his prayer answered. The story comes from 1 Kings 17:18-24. Jesus referred to it in Luke 4:25. First, under God's direction, he prayed it would not rain. God closed up the heavens for three and a half years. Then, he prayed again. Elijah truly was fervent in prayer, as he prayed seven times before the rain came at the end of this great drought. When it did rain, the earth began to produce again (James 5:17-18).