The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

There was a saying among Jews that “he who prays surrounds his house with a wall stronger than iron.” James says much the same thing. There is power and great effect because of the prayers of a righteous person.

But do you really believe it? Do you take prayer that seriously? I know I’m guilty. Prayer is hard work and perhaps you struggle, like me, to make prayer a regular part of your day. Perhaps one of the reasons it’s hard is the “righteous” part. You know your heart, and that you aren’t perfect. News flash! None of us are!

So what did James mean by a righteous man (person)?

There might be a bit of a hint in the next verse: “Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not…” (vs. 17). Wait just a second. Did he say Elijah was a man just like us? But Elijah was a prophet—a man of God with unusual power and a special anointing of God. You’re just a regular, ordinary person, right? Not exactly an Elijah.

But then I read about how after Elijah had seen God do some pretty amazing miracles, he ran and hid because he was afraid of one person—a woman named Jezebel. I don’t want to diminish the influence of Jezebel. She was as wicked and manipulative as they come. Yet earlier that day God had just destroyed more than 450 prophets of Baal at a time when Elijah was a wanted man in Israel—the only prophet of God left in the land. In spite of the amazing things God had just done to prove His omnipotence, the Bible says “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life” (I Kings 19:3). Sounds just like us, doesn’t it?

That’s why James tell us that Elijah was a man just like us! First, it was to remind us that we are human beings with weaknesses, fears and flaws. But that’s not the end of the story, is it? We who know Christ stand in the righteousness of Christ, not a righteousness of our own. In view of that reality, Paul’s prayer is that you and I will know “the hope to which He has called you… and His incomparably great power for us who believe,” the same power that raised Christ from the dead. Finally, remember that God’s promise is that when we confess our sins, “He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

One final note—the power of one righteous man’s prayer is sufficient to stop and start the rain… and call fire down from heaven… like Elijah. Now imagine what God might do if ordinary grandparents like you and me gathered across this land and around the world to pray fervently for their grandchildren and families? It was Jesus who said that where two or three come together in His name, he is with them. Imagine the power that would be unleashed in the name of Christ if thousands of grandparents gathered to bow before God and humble themselves in passionate prayer for the next generations. Just imagine!

That’s what Grandparents’ Day of Prayer is about. I earnestly invite you be part of this righteous body of praying grandparents on September 7^th. Imagine what the effective prayers of an army of praying grandparents might do. We would not only surround our homes with walls stronger than iron, but perhaps our churches, schools, cities, and the nation.

GRANDPAUSE: Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work. (Oswald Chambers)