Understanding the Effectual Fervent Prayer – Elements, Biblical Insight, and Imputed Righteousness

The Effectual Fervent Prayer: What It Is and Why It Matters

The effectual fervent prayer is characterized by a deep, heartfelt, and passionate appeal to God. Unlike routine prayers, it involves a sincere longing for God’s intervention. James 5:16 (KJV) says:
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
This emphasizes that prayers offered earnestly by a righteous person are powerful and produce significant results.

Breaking Down “Effectual Fervent Prayer”

• Effectual: Refers to prayers that align with God’s will and are made in faith. Such prayers have a specific purpose and aim to bring about desired outcomes.
• Fervent: Denotes prayers that are intense and sincere, reflecting a deep emotional commitment and urgency in seeking God’s help.

Insights from E.M. Bounds on the Elements of Effectual Fervent Prayer

E.M. Bounds, a renowned Christian author, emphasizes several elements that make prayer powerful:

1. Faith: Essential for prayer’s effectiveness. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) declares:
   “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
2. Desire: Genuine longing for what is being asked for, showing that prayer is not just routine but stems from a deep need.
3. Persistence: Consistency in prayer, even when answers seem delayed. Jesus highlights this in Luke 18:1 (NIV):
   “Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”
4. Righteousness: The effectiveness of fervent prayer is linked to the righteousness of the one praying, as explained in the next section.

Understanding Imputed and Practical Righteousness

Imputed Righteousness

• Imputed righteousness refers to the righteousness of Christ credited to believers when they put their faith in Him. It is a divine gift that cannot be earned through personal merit. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) illustrates this:
  “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
• This form of righteousness gives believers a right standing before God, based on Christ’s sacrifice rather than their actions.

Practical Righteousness

• Practical righteousness involves living out the righteousness received through Christ by obeying God’s commands and striving for a holy life. 1 Peter 1:15 (NIV) exhorts:
  “Be holy, because I am holy.”
• While imputed righteousness is foundational for a relationship with God, practical righteousness reflects how that relationship influences daily conduct.

Biblical Examples of Fervent Prayers

1. Elijah’s Prayer for Rain to Cease and Return

• James 5:17-18 (NIV): “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”
• Context: Elijah’s fervent prayer resulted in both drought and rain, showing the power of earnest prayer aligned with God’s will.

1. Hannah’s Prayer for a Son

• 1 Samuel 1:10-11 (NIV): “In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.’”
• Context: Hannah’s heartfelt prayer led to the birth of Samuel, a significant answer from God in response to her fervency.

1. Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane

• Luke 22:44 (NIV): “And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
• Context: Jesus’ prayer before His crucifixion was marked by deep emotional intensity, setting an example of fervency in seeking God’s will.

1. Moses’ Intercession for Israel

• Exodus 32:11-14 (NIV): After the Israelites worshiped the golden calf, Moses interceded earnestly with God, and God relented from destroying the people.
• Context: Moses’ fervent prayer spared the Israelites from God’s wrath, demonstrating the power of earnest intercession.

1. The Early Church Praying for Peter’s Release

• Acts 12:5 (NIV): “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.”
• Context: The church’s fervent prayer led to Peter’s miraculous release, showing the effectiveness of united and fervent prayer.

The Power of Effectual Fervent Prayer

Effectual fervent prayer carries power not because of the words themselves but because of the sincere faith and persistence behind them. When such prayers are grounded in both imputed and practical righteousness, they align with God’s will, and His power is released.

Prayer Prompt Faith Activity

Reflect on areas of your life where fervent prayer is needed. Approach God with faith, persistence, and a heart aligned with His will. Share this article with others seeking to deepen their prayer life, and commit to praying earnestly. May this guide inspire you to pursue a powerful prayer life, knowing that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.

FAQ

What does effectual fervent prayer mean in the Bible?

Effectual fervent prayer is earnest, passionate prayer that aligns with God's will and produces real results. It combines sincere longing with deep emotional commitment—not rote repetition, but heartfelt appeal to God. James 5:16 teaches that such prayers from a righteous person are powerful and accomplish much.

What are the key elements of effectual fervent prayer?

E.M. Bounds identifies four essential elements: faith (believing God exists and rewards seekers), genuine desire (a real need driving the prayer), persistence (continuing even when answers delay), and righteousness (right standing before God). Together, these transform prayer from routine words into powerful intercession that moves God's hand.

What is imputed righteousness and how does it affect prayer?

Imputed righteousness is Christ's righteousness credited to believers through faith—a divine gift, not earned by our works. This gives us right standing before God to approach Him boldly in prayer. It's foundational; practical righteousness (living out that gift through obedience) then reflects our relationship with God in daily life.

What are biblical examples of effectual fervent prayer?

Elijah prayed earnestly and stopped rain for three years, then prayed again and it returned. Hannah wept bitterly for a son and God answered with Samuel. Jesus prayed in anguish in Gethsemane with such intensity His sweat fell like blood. These examples show that fervent, aligned prayer produces tangible results aligned with God's purposes.