If you didn’t read the “Next Level with Melissa” entitled, “James 5 & 2009” (on pages 182 and 183) this past week, grab your workbook and read it now.
With that in mind, let’s recall. What was it that James said in James 5:16? “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Do you believe it? I have a feeling Melissa does.
A couple of years ago, my good friend’s mother had a brain aneurysm. She almost died. Many people were offering words of encouragement to my friend on Facebook, and my mom was one of them. I remember it like yesterday; she quoted James 5:16. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” It stopped me cold.
Shortly thereafter, I was on my knees interceding for my friend’s mom. I started to pray, but was intimidated by James’ reference to “a righteous person.” I was trying my best to walk with the Lord, but I was not righteous. How could I be confident my prayer had any power or effect whatsoever?
Then it hit me. The Lord Jesus is Righteous. And by His Spirit, I suddenly understood. How is my prayer powerful? How is prayer effective? Because I come before the Throne of Grace - not according to my own unrighteousness - but according to the Righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is by that Name - the Name above all names - that I am justified before the Father and counted among the children of the Most High God. That’s right - I am righteous! And my prayers are not only heard - but also are also powerful! And effective!
***
If you have committed to posting a comment in response to our weekly lessons, feel free to post anything you like. If however you find it easier to respond to a specific question, our question of the week is this:
Give an example of a time when God answered a prayer in an obvious or amazing way.
***
This week, we’ll be watching video session SEVEN The viewer guide (to be completed while watching the video session) can be found on pages 184 and 185 of our workbooks.
PLEASE NOTE - This Is Important!
The Lifeway website has CHANGED! To order the “Session 7” video, take the following steps:
1) Copy and paste the link below into your browser.
2) Choose the box that says “Session 7" in the section that says “Select Session Number” and click "Add to Cart".
3) When you are SURE you have session 7 in your cart, then proceed to check out.
4) Follow download instructions.
http://www.lifeway.com/Product/james-mercy-triumphs-video-sessions-mp4-downloads-m00000088#
Our homework for week 7 begins on page 187 of our workbooks and ends on page 211. Again, the homework is broken down into 5 days that should take about 45 minutes each day to complete. Make every effort to complete this homework before next Saturday, when I will post the link for our next video session and discuss some of the things that we learned this week.
Okay, so that’s it. Please do not hesitate to ask for help (by private inbox to me, if you prefer) if you find yourself struggling with the homework or anything else. That is why we are studying as a group instead of studying on our own.
Also, please feel free to post any comments and/or prayer requests at any point throughout the week. We will all enjoy and benefit from hearing what you’ve been learning, and it is truly our privilege to lift one another up in prayer.
Your friend, Amy
No comments:
Post a Comment