1. Welcome

2. What is Prayer ? Shield to the Soul = Protects
Scourge to the Devil = Destroys
Sacrifice to God = Pleases

4. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16
to be active, efficient
To have force
“The prayer of a good man is full of power in its working.” B.B.E.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” NKJV
“When a person is right with God, the power of his sincere prayer is tremendous.” S.E.B.

5. Abimelech - king of Gerar
Examples from the Old Testament
Abraham - Gen. 20
Abimelech - king of Gerar
Abraham Claimed Sarah as his sister
Abimelech planned to take Sarah as his wife
“So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.” Gen. 20:17

6. Elkannah - Hannah and Peninnah
Examples from the Old Testament
Hannah - 1 Samuel 1
Elkannah - Hannah and Peninnah
Hannah was barren
Eli said: “...Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou has asked of him.” 1 Sam. 1:17
Samuel was born

7. Widow and son living in Zarephath
Examples from the Old Testament
Elijah - 1 Kings 17:17-24
Widow and son living in Zarephath
Son died
Elijah prayed to God - son revived
His prayer was powerful

8. Spare bedroom for Elisha
Examples from the Old Testament
Elisha - 2 Kings 4:1-37
Spare bedroom for Elisha
No children - Next year had son
Died - called for Elisha
Prayed to God - Son restored to life

9. About to die - set house in order
Examples from the Old Testament
Hezekiah - 2 Kings 20
About to die - set house in order
Prayed to God - given 15 years
Wanted a sign to show it was true
Shadow went backward 10 degrees

10. Israel was in battle with Amorites
Examples from the Old Testament
Joshua - Joshua 10:12-14
Israel was in battle with Amorites
Joshua prayed to God
Sun and Moon stood still about a day
God answered his prayer

11. Moses- Numbers 21:4-9 People murmured Examples from the Old Testament
God sent fiery serpents to punish
People asked Moses for help
“Moses prayed for the people”
God answered his prayer

12. Ahab and Jezebel worshipped Baal
Examples from the Old Testament
Elijah - Jas. 5:17-18 ~ 1 Kings 18
Ahab and Jezebel worshipped Baal
Elijah prayed that it not rain
Contest with prophets
Elijah prayed that it start raining

13. Prayer Does Avail Much
“Elias [Elijah] was a man subject to like passions as we are,” Jas. 5:17a
“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours,” NKJV
Acts 14:15 “we are men of like passions”

14. Prayer Does Avail Much
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Jas. 5:16b
Persistent, active
Righteous man
Availeth much - has great force

15. Prayer Does Avail Much
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Jas. 5:16b
“The prayer of the righteous have a powerful effect.” Moffatt
“Tremendous power is made available through a good man’s earnest Prayer.” Phillips
John 9:31 “Now we know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth.”

16. Prayer Does Avail Much Matt. 7:7-8 “Ask and it shall be given you:”
“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thes. 5:17
Matt. 7:7-8 “Ask and it shall be given you:”
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

17. Prayer is a powerful privilege for Christians
If you will live as you ought = righteous
and pray as you should = without ceasing and according to God's will
then your prayers will be powerful.

20. Nelson Chapel Church of Christ
5039 Six Mile Road
Maryville, Tn
July 15, 2018
Sermon by Arthur Pigman
2705 Druid Hill Dr.
Maryville, Tn
CCL