Read: James 5:16-18

James has been talking about authentic sprituality: an honest living-out of what Jesus teaches. James suggests God listens more attentively to the prayers of those who live faith authentically.

James cites the prophet Elijah from the Old Testament. You can read his story in 1 Kings 17:1-18:46. Elijah was no super human. His story was one about a man feeling intimated by the size of his assignment. Amoung other adventures, he found himself in a contest with the priests of another god. He won the contest when God answered his prayer by sending fire onto a pile of waterlogged timber.

James says our prayers to God are more attention getting when we are genuinely and honestly appealing for help to live our faith authentically.

Write
Think about your faith story: in you experience with answered prayers, how often are they were prayed out of your sincere and honest desire to live your faith authentically?

When you pray, how much of your prayer flow from your needs and desires, and how much of your prayer flow from your desire to live your faith authentically?

Presently, where in your life do you need God's help to live faith authentically?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about your prayers, and how effective you feel they are.

Talk to God about your desire to live authentically. Ask God for the resources and help you need to do this.

Talk to God about your desire for more effective praying. Ask God to show you how to pray more powerful prayers.

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as God hears your prayers to live your faith more authentically, and as he answers your prayers and makes his healing presence felt.