What is Prayer X (Effectiveness)

Prayer has power over everything. God can intelligently act in any part of the universe or human history. Although some people think prayer is a waste of time, the Bible declares that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16). Prayer meets inner needs.

One who prays will receive:
Freedom from fear (Psalm 118:5-6),
Strength of soul (Psalm 138:3),
Guidance and satisfaction (Isaiah 58:9-11),
Wisdom and understanding (Daniel 9:20-27),
Deliverance from harm (Joel 2:32),
Reward (Matthew 6:6),
Good gifts (Luke 11:13),
Fullness of joy (John 16:23-24),
Peace (Philippians 4:6-8), and
Freedom from anxiety (1 Peter 5:7).

One may ask “Is prayer effective only in the inner lives of those who pray?” and the answer is...

“No”, prayer can make a difference in the lives of others.

Biblical writers believed prayer for others could result in greater wisdom and power (Ephesians 1:18-19);

Inward strength, knowledge of Christ's love, filling with God's fullness (Ephesians 3:16-19);

Discernment, approval of what is excellent, filling with fruits of righteousness (Philippians 1:9-11);

Knowledge of God's will, spiritual understanding, a life pleasing to God, fruitfulness, endurance, patience, joy (Colossians 1:9-12);

A quiet, peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2);

Love for one another and all people, holiness before God (1 Thessalonians 3:10-13);

Comfort and establishment in every good word and work (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17);

Love for God, steadfastness in Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5);

The sharing of one's faith, promotion of the knowledge of all that is good (Philemon 6); and

Equipment for every good work that is pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:20-21).

Some people who think prayer can affect others question the ability of God to change His usual patterns in the physical world. But some prayers in the Bible changed nature and physical bodies.

Jabez prayed for enlarged borders and protection from harm (1 Chronicles 4:10).

Other people in the Bible prayed for deliverance from trouble Psalm 34:15-22),

Deliverance from both poverty and riches (Proverbs 30:7-9),

Deliverance from the belly of a great fish (Jonah 2:7-10),

Daily bread (Matthew 6:11),

Preservation and sanctification of spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23),

The healing of the sick (James 5:14-15), and

The ending of the rain and it's beginning again (James 5:17-18).

When the disciples prayed, the building around them shook (Acts 4:31) and an earthquake opened the doors of their prison (Acts 16:25-26).

Brothers and Sisters, our prayers do make a difference in how God acts in the world.