ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL – 26TH APRIL 2026
The Power of Prayer
By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi | Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry
KEY VERSE
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16
TEXT: James 5:13-18 (KJV)
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
DAILY MANNA FOR TODAY
Prayer is not a religious ritual; it is a lifeline. It is not a last resort; it is the first response. James, the brother of our Lord, gives practical instructions for every season of life.
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.” Affliction comes in many forms – sickness, sorrow, persecution, financial distress. The remedy is not despair; it is prayer. When trouble strikes, we do not run to human solutions first; we run to the throne of grace.
“Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” Joy is also an occasion for prayer – not petition, but praise. When God blesses us, we respond with songs of thanksgiving. Prayer is not only for difficult times; it is for all times.
“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church.” Sickness is a particular focus. James instructs the sick to call for the elders, who are to pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. This is not magic; it is faith. The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and the prayer of faith will save the sick.
James then gives a general command: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” Confession brings cleansing. Prayer brings healing. When we are open with one another, we create an environment where healing can flow.
Then comes one of the most quoted verses in Scripture: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The word “effectual” means energetic, powerful, working. “Fervent” means passionate, earnest, intense. This is not a casual prayer; it is a prayer that engages the heart, the mind, and the will.
James illustrates this with the example of Elijah. He was a man “subject to like passions as we are.” He was not superhuman. He had fears, doubts, and weaknesses – just like us. Yet he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain for three and a half years. He prayed again, and the rain returned.
If an ordinary man like Elijah could move heaven with his prayers, so can we. The same power is available to every believer who prays in faith.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Prayer is not a ritual; it is a relationship. It is not a last resort; it is a first response.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 126-131
COMMENTARY
Introduction: Prayer for Every Season
James addresses three seasons of life:
- Affliction – pray
- Joy – sing psalms (praise)
- Sickness – call for the elders
Prayer is not reserved for emergencies; it is the rhythm of the Christian life. In good times and bad, we turn to God.
The Prayer of Faith
James specifically addresses the sick. He instructs them to call for the elders of the church – not to rely on their own faith alone, but to invite the faith of the community. The elders are to pray over the sick, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.
The “prayer of faith” shall save the sick. This is not a guarantee that every sickness will be healed; there are many reasons why healing may not manifest. But it is a promise that God hears and responds to the prayer of faith.
Confession and Prayer
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” Confession is not for God’s benefit; He already knows our sins. It is for our benefit – and for the benefit of the community. When we confess, we release the burden of guilt. When we pray for one another, we create an atmosphere where healing can flourish.
Effectual Fervent Prayer
The Greek word for “effectual” is energeō, from which we get “energy.” It means active, powerful, working. The word for “fervent” speaks of passion, intensity, earnestness. This is not a half-hearted prayer; it is a prayer that engages the whole person.
The promise is that such prayer “availeth much” – it accomplishes great things, it has tremendous power.
The Example of Elijah
Elijah was a man “subject to like passions as we are.” He was not a superhero. He got discouraged. He ran from Jezebel. He wanted to die. He was as human as we are. Yet when he prayed, heaven responded.
His prayer was not casual; it was earnest. He prayed “earnestly” – the word suggests intensity, perseverance, and passion. And God answered.
If God answered Elijah, He will answer us. The same power is available to every believer who prays in faith.
DECLARATIONS BASED ON THE DEVOTIONAL
I DECLARE that when I am afflicted, I will pray!
I DECLARE that when I am merry, I will sing psalms!
I DECLARE that when I am sick, I will call for the elders and receive the prayer of faith!
I DECLARE that the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise them up!
I DECLARE that I confess my faults and pray for others, that I may be healed!
I DECLARE that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much!
I DECLARE that I am a righteous man/woman through Christ, and my prayers have power!
I DECLARE that I am like Elijah – human, yet used by God to move heaven!
I DECLARE that when I pray earnestly, heaven responds!
I DECLARE that prayer is not my last resort; it is my first response!
PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Father, I thank You that prayer is not a ritual but a relationship. You invite me to come to You in every season – in affliction, in joy, in sickness.
When I am afflicted, teach me to pray, not to despair. When I am merry, let my heart sing psalms of praise. When I am sick, give me faith to call for the elders and receive the prayer of faith.
Help me to confess my faults and pray for others, that I may be healed. Let my prayer be effectual and fervent – not half-hearted, but passionate. Let it avail much.
I remember Elijah – a man like me, yet his prayers moved heaven. Give me that same earnestness, that same faith, that same persistence.
Prayer is my first response, not my last resort. I come to You now.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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