James closes his epistle with a simple declarative statement followed by a supporting illustration. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth her fruit” (James 5:16-18).
The statement has a promise rooted in two conditions. The promise is prayer avails, i.e., helps or benefits, much. We might recognize it as the familiar “prayer changes things.” In those two words, “avails much”, the most despairing heart finds hope. Seldom have two words offered so much. “Avails much” is for any and every circumstance no matter how bitter and hopeless it may be. No matter how unchangeable the situation may seem, these two words stand with an unchanging invitation. Prayer changes things because prayer brings us to the God of hope.
But there are conditions that make this prayer availing. The first is this prayer is the prayer of a righteous man. He is a righteous man because his sins have been forgiven. Consequently, he has a standing before God that is not of his own merit, but his righteousness has been purchased by the blood of Christ Jesus. This righteous standing with God leads to a walk of righteousness before men. The righteous man is a man that knows God through faith in Christ and seeks to please God through obedience to his word. God is neither obligated nor compelled to hear the prayers of those who do not know him or disregard his will. He is eager, however, to hear the prayers of his obedient children!
The second condition describes the prayer whereas the first condition described the man. James speaks of an “effectual fervent prayer.” Prayers that are effectual are prayers that produce or are aimed at producing a desired effect. There is purpose to them, i.e. a purpose that is rooted in the will of God. Elijah is set forth here as one whose prayers were effectual. He prayed that it would not rain and “it rained not”; he prayed again for it to rain and “the heaven gave rain.” His prayer was not whimsical, but consistent with God’s purpose in dealing with Israel. In Deuteronomy 28:24, God had promised to withhold rain when his people disobeyed his covenant. Elijah’s prayers were intended to show his people their departure from God.
Fervent prayers are heartfelt. They are sincere in how they are offered up and just as sincere in their expectation of finding an audience with God. These prayers are passionate in seeking the God of heaven’s action. Again, James points to Elijah whose passions are like our own. That is, we have the same opportunity to enjoin God in this kind of prayer. The prayer of a righteous man avails much. What a challenge! What an opportunity! What a privilege!
From the Chaplain 