The phrase "prayer of the righteous avails much" is derived from the Epistle of James in the New Testament, specifically James 5:16. The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail."

Context and Meaning

In the context of James 5, the apostle James addresses the power and efficacy of prayer, particularly emphasizing the role of righteousness in the one who prays. The passage encourages believers to confess their sins to one another and to pray for each other, highlighting the communal and intercessory nature of prayer within the Christian community. The emphasis on confession and mutual prayer underscores the importance of humility, accountability, and support among believers.

The phrase "the prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail" suggests that the prayers of those who live in accordance with God's will—those who are righteous—are particularly effective. This effectiveness is not due to any inherent power in the individual but is attributed to their alignment with God's purposes and their faithfulness in living out His commandments.

Biblical Examples

The Bible provides numerous examples of righteous individuals whose prayers were powerful and effective. One notable example is Elijah, whom James himself references in James 5:17-18 : "Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops." Elijah's prayers were effective because of his righteousness and his close relationship with God.

Another example is Daniel, whose consistent prayer life and righteousness are highlighted in the Book of Daniel. Despite facing persecution, Daniel continued to pray three times a day, and his prayers led to divine intervention and revelation (Daniel 6:10-23).

Theological Implications

The concept of the prayer of the righteous availing much carries significant theological implications. It underscores the belief that God is attentive to the prayers of those who seek to live according to His will. This does not imply that God is obligated to answer every prayer in the manner desired by the petitioner, but rather that the prayers of the righteous are aligned with God's purposes and are thus powerful and effective.

Righteousness, in this context, is understood as a state of being in right relationship with God, characterized by faith, obedience, and a life that reflects God's holiness. The New Testament teaches that righteousness is ultimately found in Christ, and believers are called to live out this righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

For believers, the exhortation in James 5:16 serves as both an encouragement and a challenge. It encourages believers to pursue righteousness and to engage in fervent prayer, trusting in its power and effectiveness. It also challenges believers to examine their lives, confess their sins, and seek to live in a manner that is pleasing to God.

The communal aspect of prayer highlighted in this passage also calls believers to support one another through prayer, fostering a sense of unity and mutual care within the body of Christ. By doing so, the church becomes a powerful witness to the world of God's love and the transformative power of prayer.James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Prayer and Character and Conduct
... prayer of the righteous man which availeth much." Indeed, one may go further and
assert, that it is only the prayer of the righteous which avails anything at ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/viii prayer and character and.htm

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
... Command, ask of me, and command me, says the high and holy One, Isaiah 45:11. O
but "the effectual fervent prayer" of the righteous avails much, 1 James v.16. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi and watch unto.htm

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
... will have power to pray the effectual prayer of the righteous man that ... power to appear
before the Father, and in the prayer that avails much bring down ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/thirtieth lesson an holy priesthood.htm

Whether a Man Can Merit the First Grace for Another
... effectual, according to James 5:16: "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous
man availeth ... On the first point: the faith of some avails for the healing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/nature and grace/article six whether a man.htm

Eighth Lesson. Because of his Importunity;'
... that we may count on His friendliness; the righteous man who ... a friend Who would help
me, my prayer will be ... we know not how much the plea avails: the friendship ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/eighth lesson because of his.htm

The Word of Jesus on Prayer.
... a fortiori, of the way of the All-righteous. ... and generally so delicate, answers to
prayer would naturally ... got that way is of little value; it avails nothing to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the word of jesus on.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... This is like physic used in a desperate case and often it recovers the sick patient.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much' (James 5:16). ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Elijah, the Praying Prophet
... Let the righteous man put forth to its fullest extent ... be imitated and as an illustration
of what prayer can do ... It goes nowhere, it avails nothing, it brings no ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/v elijah the praying prophet.htm

On the Sinful Woman.
... What avails this lewdness ... not converse with an harlot, then he is a righteous man
and ... She clasped her arms in prayer, and thus she spake beseeching:""Blessed ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on the sinful woman.htm

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
... of sin under whose dominion they suffered so much"; or, as ... perfectly control our
vices, and hence such prayer as this is needful for the righteous (Of the ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxiii of prayer.htm

Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.org

What is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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