Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. James 5:15-17

The last part of this passage says, “The urgent request (prayer) of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” Have you ever prayed urgently? Probably so. We all have. Our urgent prayers go something like this, “O Lord, I’m running late, Please help me get there on time!” But, I’m not sure that is what James had in mind when God inspired Him to write this verse.

Urgent is showing earnestness or the desire for something to be done quickly. It is placing the highest priority on something. It is to say this is vital, pressing, and imperative to be addressed now! Do we demonstrate this kind of urgency as we pray to God for the health and growth of our church? Do we address God with this earnest and imperative when praying for the salvation of our loved ones and neighbors?

Many people in our churches today can quote what is known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Yet, how many pray this prayer with a burning insistent urgency? Do we really want God’s will to be done – in my life? What would you have to give up for God’s will to be the same on earth as it is in heaven?

Are we urgent about receiving our “daily bread”? If so how diligently are we reading His Word from which our daily bread comes? If I am praying the Lord’s Prayer urgently, who would I need to forgive if I expect to be forgiven?

Are you getting the picture of what James is trying to say in this verse? Let us commit to strive toward being urgent and righteous in our prayer life, seeking God’s Good will, health, and growth on our lives, our families and our church.