00:00day 29 confession and effective prayer james reminds us of two things that are often neglected
00:13in our faith walk confession and persistent prayer confession humbles us reminding us that
00:20we cannot walk this journey alone it creates space for healing and accountability as we invite others
00:27to pray with and for us prayer especially the earnest prayer of the righteous is powerful and
00:34effective because it connects us directly to the heart of god elijah is a prime example he wasn't
00:41superhuman james makes it clear that elijah was a human being even as we are yet because of his faith
00:49and persistence god answered his prayers in dramatic ways on mount carmel elijah's bold prayer brought
00:57fire from heaven revealing god's supremacy over false idols and turning the people back to him
01:03later after a long drought elijah prayed again and again sending his servant to look for clouds until
01:11finally rain came his prayers were effective because they were aligned with god's will offered in faith
01:18and persevered in despite delays in the same way our prayers even when whispered in weakness carry weight
01:26in heaven when they are offered in faith and righteousness and when we walk in humility by
01:31confessing our sins we remove barriers that hinder intimacy with god and with others healing restoration
01:39and breakthrough often flow where there is both confession and prayer reflection am i willing to humble
01:46myself and confess my sins to a trusted believer do i truly believe my prayers offered in faith are
01:54powerful and effective application if the lord brings to mind a struggle or sin you're carrying alone
02:01consider sharing it with a trusted mature believer for prayer and accountability and this week commit to
02:08praying persistently for something or someone even when answers seem delayed prayer empower my prayers
02:16heavenly father and help me to live a righteous life so my prayers may be effective for your glory
02:22teach me to confess humbly pray persistently and trust you completely in jesus name amen
