The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 5:13-18, Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

James encourages us to pray in all circumstances, whether it is when we are in trouble or when we are cheerful! And it’s good to know that even the prophet Elijah was just like one of us. He had no special powers, just a special relationship with the Lord. He has imparted His righteousness to those who are His own: it’s not by works of righteousness that I have done, but by His great mercy that I am saved. We can come to Him at any time, and know that our prayers are heard!

We thank You that You hear our prayers and that You work and move in every situation.

ESV Lectionary