The Power of Effectual Fervent Prayer:
(James 5:16) — “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
Church, the Bible says, “Effectual” — that means it works! It produces results! The Greek word here is energeō, from which we get the word energy. That means prayer is active, not passive. It’s not empty words you repeat because it sounds good. Oh no! An effectual prayer is powered by the Spirit of God. It’s alive, full of faith, and lined up with God’s Word.
(Matthew 6:7) says don’t babble like the heathen — God wants prayer that moves heaven and shakes the earth!
Then James says, “fervent.” Saints, this is heartfelt, intense, desperate prayer! Think of Jesus in Gethsemane; He prayed in agony, sweat like drops of blood, fervent in His petition to the Father in (Luke 22:44). That’s the kind of prayer that breaks chains, shuts up heaven, and brings revival! Half-hearted, casual prayers don’t move God — fervent, passionate prayers do!
Now James says, “the prayer of a righteous man”. Don’t get it twisted, here — righteous doesn’t mean perfect! Nobody’s perfect except Christ. This is someone in right standing with God through faith, says (Romans 5:1), seeking to obey Him, living in alignment with His Word. Why does righteousness matter? Because when your life and your prayer line up with God’s Word, your prayer has power! Elijah is proof; his prayers stopped the rain for three and a half years, then brought it back when God commanded, according to (James 5:17–18)
The Bible says it availeth much — that means it works! It has great power because it’s backed by faith, obedience, and alignment with God’s will. Before Elijah prayed, God had already declared judgment on Israel for their sin in (Deuteronomy 11:16–17). His prayer didn’t create God’s will — it agreed with it. That’s the secret of effective prayer: it’s not about what you want, it’s about God’s purpose being fulfilled. Saints, don’t pray to change God — pray to move in agreement with God, and watch mountains move!
Finally, don’t stop praying! Keep going until you sense peace in your heart. That peace is not the condition for God to hear — it’s the assurance that God already has! Effectual, fervent prayer is Spirit-led, faith-filled, and relentless. Pray from your heart, pray with power, pray with faith, and watch God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Someone needs to hear this today: your prayers are mighty, your faith is powerful, and God is ready to move on your behalf. Are you praying fervently? Glory to God!