God's Power and Our Prayer

James 5:13-16, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? 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 shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Prayer is a powerful thing especially when we are praying for someone else. As we join in partnership with God by praying for others we can direct God’s power to come to the aid of another. We are all asked to pray for someone who has fallen sick, is facing a crisis or is in need. God already knows about those problems and He can accomplish the help needed without us but He has given us a great privilege of being involved with Him through our prayers.
Through our intercession for a sick child, a mother or father who is facing surgery, a neighbor or loved one who needs Christ, or a pastor who needs strength we are asking God to provide for that person what we cannot. We are asking for God to intervene for that person and are asking Him to direct His great power in a specific direction. Can we pray incorrectly not if we pray with a heart of love and unselfish desire for God to provide for another?
Remember Elias 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 5:17-18.
Directing God’s power, “This power is so rich and so mobile that all we have to do when we pray is point to the person or thing to which we desire to have God’ power applied, and He, the Lord of this power, will direct the necessary power to the desired place.” Ole Hallesby from his book Prayer.
This assumes, of course we are praying “according to His will” 1 John5:14. Prayer is not a magic wand we can use to satisfy our wishes or desires. It is an opportunity to work with the Lord in accomplishing His purposes. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16.
A nation that is on their knees seeking God’s leadership will prevail one that turns its back on God will suffer loss. To access the power of God we only need to humble ourselves and pray, confess our sins and He will heal our land. We can access the power of God and He will answer our prayers.