"Producing a decided, decisive or desired effect." That's what it means to be effective. At least according to brother Webster. James 5 says that Elijah's prayers were effective. They undoubtedly produced the desired result. I Kings 17 & 18 reveal his effectual praying power.
1. He prayed that it wouldn't rain and it didn't.
2. He prayed for the widows son to be raised from the dead and he did.
3. He prayed for fire to fall and consume the sacrifice and it did.
4. He prayed for it to rain again after three and a half years of drought and ....it did!
The one key element that I see about his productive praying was one of motive. Just prior to his fiery prayer that consumed the sacrifice, he prayed, "Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that the people may know that You are the Lord God, and that you have turned their hearts back to you again." (1 Kings 18:37)
Note the selfless nature of his prayer. It was for others sake. It was for God's greater glory. I wonder if this might be the reason that a lot of prayers are not effective? Could it be that the motives are flawed? James taught us the importance of purified motives at the place of prayer when he said, "You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss that you may spend it on your pleasures." (James 4:3)
What's your desired effect for your prayers this morning? That's what I'm asking myself today. How about you? Purify our motives oh God.
Blessings,
Sam
Suggested reading:
Proverbs 6
Psalm 1
Quote of the Day: "Efficiency is doing things right... Effectiveness is doing right things." - Peter F. Drucker
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