Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your circumstances or a loved one’s circumstances? An illness, a loss, or a spiritual crisis can leave us feeling helpless, but these are the times when fervent prayer can connect us to a source of unlimited power. Fervent prayer is a focused and earnest petition to God that has the potential to change circumstances as well as the person who prays, but only if we choose to step forward in faith.
Fervent prayer isn’t about a ritual or grand speeches. It is about falling to our knees, physically or metaphorically speaking, in front of God the Father. Sometimes we have no words, only tears of a broken heart. God knows what we need even when we don’t know what to say because God is omniscient and hears the cry of our hearts. So, if God already knows the situation, why must we pray? What is the point of fervent prayer?
Should We Use Fervent Prayer if God Already Knows What We Need?
Prayer is communication with God, which means it is a two-way street. We share our needs and fears with God; if we listen, He will speak to us through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. If you are new to prayers of this kind, a beginner’s guide may help. In the end, the Holy Spirit is all you need to pray fervently.
James 5:16 says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Availeth means to have power or to be a force. When a righteous man prays a fervent prayer, he has access to power that can change things. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. You must be righteous before God.
Righteous means to be in a right relationship with God through accepting Christ as Lord. Even if we are savid, sin can block the lines of communication with God because He is a holy God who will not ignore sin. So, the first step is to ensure no unconfessed sins are standing between us and the throne of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned His followers that if any trespasses needed forgiveness, they should take care of it before bringing offerings to the altar. We need to ensure there is nothing between God and us so that the lines of communication are open.
2. You must ask.
Matthew 7:8 says, “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” To receive, you need to ask first. Why? God wants us to ask so that we may realize our need for Him. If He just met our needs without us having to ask, then our human nature would be prone to take credit for positive results. For example, how often have we thought our needs are met because we are hard workers? The process of asking causes us to realize our needs and realize the one who provides for our needs.
3. You must ask according to his will.
We often forget this little but important caveat: “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us” (1 John 5:14). God will give us anything that is in His will, but not everything that we ask is in His will. As a good father, God will sometimes say no to things we want, but He will always give us what we need. The trick is in knowing the difference between the two.
How can we apply these points to our actual prayers? Looking at a few specific times when people are moved to fervent prayer can give us models to follow.
How Can We Use Fervent Prayers for Recovering from Illness
James 5:14-15 says, “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: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick.”
Oil was medicine and a symbol of the Spirit of God, so anointing a sick person could help physically and spiritually. As a church, we are commanded to pray for each other, especially the sick.
However, Paul also explained in 2 Corinthians 12 that he had asked God to remove “a thorn in the flesh,” but God refused. The explanation was that it kept Paul from exalting himself and was a way for God’s grace to work in His life. Sometimes it takes an illness to help us to remember our need for God, and it can be used to glorify God.
If we ask for God’s will to be done, we know it will be done, but we must be prepared to accept His answer. Still, he tells us to ask. Here are a few examples of healing prayers if you don’t know how.
How Can We Use Fervent Prayers for Grieving a Loss?
One of the hardest situations to deal with is the loss of a loved one, but it is also hard to know how to comfort and pray for someone else’s loss. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Jesus himself gave us an example. He wept when he saw Mary and Martha’s brokenness over their brother Lazarus’s death. He knew he would resurrect Lazarus but still wept for their pain.
It is hard to know what to say or do in this situation, but sometimes it is about being a listening ear and a praying heart. Knowing that someone sees their distress and cares enough to intercede on their behalf will bring consolation. If you need a starting place, here are a few examples of prayers for grief.
How Can We Use Fervent Prayers for a Spiritual Crisis?
We all will find ourselves in times of crisis. Jesus told his disciples that tribulations and trials would come. What do we do when a crisis comes? James 5:13 says, “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray.” Prayer is the answer to all of life’s issues.
Jesus is our model because He took everything to the Father in prayer. One of the greatest examples of fervent prayer during a crisis was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus prayed so hard he sweated drops of blood. His closing words were an acceptance of God’s will, even to the death on the cross. So, we have a high priest who knows suffering. We can go to him in times of crisis and know we have One who will intercede for us.
We also have a Heavenly Father who wants what is best for us. Proverbs 3:5-6 tell us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
When we ask for guidance and trust His leadership, we know He will show us the way.
If you are struggling to find the right words to pray for yourself or others, here are some examples of prayers for relief in times of crisis.
Whatever our struggle or situation, the answer to everything is always prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious but to pray about everything. Sometimes the greatest prayer we can pray has no words because our Father in Heaven hears our hearts’ fervent prayer. We know He will answer.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/doidam10
Linda Lyle is a writer, teacher, knitter, and unintentional collector of cats. She has written articles for the Alabama Baptist, Open Windows, Refresh, as well as multiple novels and novellas. Her newest book, 5-Minute Prayer Plan for When Life Is Overwhelming, is set to release in October. She spins yarns on her blog The End of My Yarn at lindalyle.com.
This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to start your day with prayer: read today’s prayer and sign up to receive it by email.
