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One of the most powerful tools a Christian has is prayer. It is the most direct way to speak to God, to thank Him, to ask Him for things, or just to connect with the Creator about what is going on in life and in the world. When studying the Bible, the importance of prayer is clear. Individuals in both the Old and New Testaments - before and after the life, death, and resurrection of Christ - prayed passionately, intensely, and sincerely.

In the King James Version of the Bible, the book of James has a word to describe this kind of prayer: fervent. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

Fervent prayer is that model of passionate and sincere calling out to God, whether out of thankfulness, repentance, or need. Understanding the way that word was used, how it is translated in other versions, and seeing examples of that kind of prayer in the Bible can teach a believer today about how to pray fervently.

What Does Fervent Mean?
Fervent is a word that has fallen out of fashion over time, but it is still used in some contexts and can appropriately describe a kind of interaction. Fervent means “having or displaying a passionate intensity; archaic use: hot, burning, or glowing.” Essentially, to do something fervently is to do something with passion, and an older use of the word was to do something like a burning fire.

To pray fervently is to pray with intensity, fueled by the Holy Spirit. It can be any kind of prayer. Someone can be intensely thankful, deeply in need, or embroiled in spiritual warfare. The prayer can be outward, and often fervent prayer does manifest itself physically in movement, words, and sometimes tears. Some people pray inwardly, but with a burning in their spirit that is just as powerful as the prayer of someone saying their words out loud.

Someone can be seen to be praying fervently, but can be insincere, doing it for attention or because they feel peer pressure to pray with passion. Some pastors, healers, and charismatic leaders are caught being insincere in their false prayers. That is not a fervent prayer, just because it looks like one. God knows the intentions of their hearts.

It is also important to look at the idea of fervent prayer in context:

“Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. 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, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit” (James 5:13-18, KJV).

In context, fervent prayer can be for oneself or others. This passage in James is about how Christians should behave and can support one another, particularly during difficult times. They should pray when they are sick, they should rejoice when good things happen, and fervent prayer – sincere prayer fueled by the Holy Spirit – can bend the ear of God. James, the writer of this epistles and historically believed to be the half-brother of Jesus Christ, then gives the example of Elijah - Elias in the King James Version - whose fervent prayer had God hold back rain for 3.5 years. That prayer availed much, because it was sincere and in accordance with God’s will.

Why Does Fervent Prayer "Availeth Much"?
During the early 17th century during which the King James Version was first published, the verb “avail” was used with regularity. It is not an entirely extinct word in the English language, often working its way into academic, scientific, and legal papers. But it is no longer used in the common vernacular, particularly in the United States.

The definition of avail is, “help or benefit, use or take advantage of (an opportunity or available resource), use or benefit.” When the translators of the Bible said that fervent prayer “availeth much,” they meant that it can lead to God intervening in many ways. It could be one big miracle, like when Elijah prayed for the rain to stop, or simply God intervening in a situation in the favor of a Christian, or even God answering a series of prayers. Fervent prayer also helps strengthen the relationship between the individual with the Lord, as it is a long and deep conversation with the Creator.

What fervent prayer does not guarantee is that if a Christian prays really, really hard, that they will get whatever they want. The Psalmist wrote, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). Earlier in his letter, James wrote, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:3). The Apostle John said, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” (1 John 5:14). Prayer that is driven by a sinful desire, that leads to worldly gain that does not glorify God, or that is not according to God’s will may not be answered in the affirmative.

What Else Does the Bible Say about the Power of Prayer?
When looking for a model for fervent, powerful prayer, 1 Samuel contains one of the best examples in the Bible.

A man named Elkanah had two wives, one of whom bore him children, while the other, Hannah, could not. Because of her infertility, Hannah felt great sorrow, so when they went to the Temple, she went and prayed. The Bible records, “She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.’ As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman” (1 Samuel 1:10-13).

She was paying with such passion, so fervently, that she was visibly distraught – so much so the High Priest thought she had come to the Temple drunk. Her prayer was sincere and came from a place of great sorrow, and God heeded her prayer.

Another person in the Bible who was known for his powerful prayers was the prophet Daniel. He got in trouble with the authorities in Babylon because of his prayer. During the chapters of prophecy, written in the first person by Daniel, he records a prayer asking for forgiveness for the sins of the people.

The Bible records the prayer, given here in part:

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land….O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee” (Daniel 9:3-6, 8, KVJ).

Daniel’s prayers helped protect him in the lion’s den, where God shut the mouth of the large cats to preserve the life of his faithful servant. This prayer reflects the anguish of someone sincerely reflecting on their own wickedness, and of the people they represent, and coming humbly before God for forgiveness, which He granted. Eventually, the exile to Babylon was ended.

How Can We Pray Fervently for Each Other?
Part of the Christian life is praying for brothers and sisters in Christ. The Apostle Paul encouraged believers, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another…Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; ... Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:10, 12, 15). Taking this to heart, Christians should be as passionate about the blessings, trials, and temptations of their brothers and sisters as they are for their own.

Fervent prayer is not just praying loudly or with great emotion, though that can be a part of it. It is a prayer that is sincere, striving to be conformed to the will of God, and that glorifies Him. Reaching out to the Lord, fueled by the Spirit of God, is a cornerstone of a strong walk that can help a Christian finish the race well. It can also be a part of God’s plan for action, and lead to an answer to that prayer.

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10 Times in the Bible Prayer Changed Lives If you’re going to say a prayer, it’s probably because you want something to change. When you pray for a blessing, you want to feel blessed afterward. When you pray for protection, you want to feel safe afterward. When you pray for deliverance,...

Prayer is important because it makes us more like Jesus and because it reveals to us the heart and mind of God.

When we look at the spiritual powerhouses of the past, we know that prayer was immensely important to them. C.S Lewis stated: “I pray because I can’t help myself. ... I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” And Martin Luther: “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer

How do ordinary people live up to that, and why should we? Ordinary people can’t be expected to drop everything to pray, right? Actually, ordinary people can’t afford not to pray. Prayer is a gift given to us—and an activity expected of us—by the Lord. The Bible often says, “when you pray,” not “if you pray,” because prayer seems to be assumed of God’s followers.

Let's take a look at what Scripture says about prayer:

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." (Ephesians 6:18)
"Pray continually." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray." (James 5:13)
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)
Praying because we’re “supposed to” isn’t always enough to motivate us, but the truth is that prayer is much more than a rule.

The Importance of Prayer
1. Prayer makes us more like Jesus.
If we look at the life of Jesus, we see that he prayed—with others (Luke 9:28), for others (Matthew 19:13-14), and on his own (Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12). It was a fundamental part of how he approached each day and every decision, retreating faithfully to spend time with his Father.

Clearly prayer was important to Jesus—it was his lifeline and his connection to the Heavenly Father. It equipped him for the battles he was about to face. It kept alive the intimate relationship that sustained him. And it revealed to him God’s desires and direction.

If the goal of a Christian is to become more like Jesus, that process should include imitating his actions and living out his words. As we pray, we will become more like Jesus, and we will find that prayer changes us.

2. Prayer shows us the heart of God.
When Jesus prayed for his disciples in John 17, he prayed for those who would believe in him, “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:21).

Prayer helps us become one with the Father and have the kind of relationship Jesus had with him. The Bible is filled with stories illustrating God’s desire to have an intimate relationship with his people, and any close relationship involves communication. When two people have no contact with each other, their relationship will never advance. And since prayer is, quite simply, a conversation with God, it is how we get to know him.

When we come into his presence, all pretense is gone—there is no longer anything to hide because he sees all and knows all. Prayer humbles us because as we spend time with him, we realize how powerful and able and good God is and how much we need him. And yet, God accepts us as we are—not because he wants us to stay that way, but because he knows that the relationship comes first.

As we grow to love him, we will want to become more like him. When we find forgiveness through prayer, God softens our heart and allows us to forgive others. When we experience God’s compassion and mercy, we will share that with others. When we understand that God’s grace is freely given, we recognize that no one is any more or less deserving of God’s love than we are, and it transforms our hearts and our actions, helping us reveal God’s generous love to others.

3. Prayer reveals the wisdom of God.
The best part about prayer is that it’s a conversation that goes both directions. Yes, we will talk to God, but when we spend time with him and are willing to receive, we will also hear from him. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Jesus prayed all night before selecting the 12 apostles (Luke 6:12-16), and he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane to try to ascertain God’s will regarding what God was asking him to do. His time in prayer helped align his will with that of the Father, just as our time with God will do for us. After getting in touch with the heart of God and realizing how much he loves us, we will learn to trust him and value his insight and guidance.

As we spend time talking to God, he aligns our will with his, changing the way we experience a situation and respond to a problem.

Sometimes we miss his answers (because we’re not listening or we’re expecting a different answer so we don’t recognize it when it comes), and other times the answer comes through reading the Bible or talking to others, but God will answer. His wisdom far exceeds our own because he sees farther and loves deeper and has his sights set on an eternity with those he loves, not just gratification in the immediate moment. There is no one else who can see and know what he does, and he delights to share his wisdom with us in prayer.

Five Benefits of Prayer
In her article, What are Some Benefits of Prayer?, Danielle Bernock outlines several of the benefits of having a prayer life. Let's take a look at five.

1. Prayer changes our focus. It’s easy to get caught up in the circumstances going on around us, good or bad. Praying directs our focus away from here on earth to God in heaven.

2. Prayer brings us closer to God. Because prayer is communicating with God, it helps us build our relationship with him. It’s one of the many ways we can get to know him better.

3. Prayer ushers us into God’s presence. In the Old Testament, people needed the priests or prophets to talk to God for them. But when Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn in two, opening the way for us to talk to God ourselves.

4. Prayer helps calm us. The world is full of things that bring anxiety into our lives and prayer can restore our peace.

5. Prayer brings about change. The familiar phrase prayer changes things is true. Sometimes the things that change are circumstances, while other times we are the thing that prayer changes.

God, thank you for being a loving father who wants to hear from us and for the gift of prayer that allows us to come into your presence. Help me open my eyes to the ways I can spend more of my day with you. I want to know you better and seek your goodness in my life. Thank you for the strength you provide when we are weak. In Jesus name, Amen

There are many reasons Christians might not feel like going to church. But if you can discern the reason behind your reluctance, the path forward becomes clearer. An accurate diagnosis is half the cure—even when the remedy is hard to apply. So what are some reasons attending church might be a struggle?

1. Physical Reasons
Some Christians struggle to attend church for physical reasons like exhaustion, illness, disease, or chronic pain. It might be obvious or unnoticed, temporary or permanent, diagnosed or mysterious. Regardless, you’re physically burdened. The world is broken, you’re not a machine, and sometimes the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41).

2. Spiritual Reasons
Maybe the dominant reason is spiritual. You’re in a dark place, Christianity has lost its luster, or you’re living in hidden sin. Maybe feasting on the world has sapped your spiritual appetite, or you’re going through your first dry season as a Christian. Perhaps you resonate with the psalmist: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (Ps. 42:5).

3. Relational Reasons
Sometimes the challenge is relational—a marital problem, a broken friendship, an awkward personality. Maybe you’re single or widowed, and you feel out of place around all the families. Maybe you’ve disagreed with a leader, and there’s lasting tension. Maybe you’ve been judged or rebuked by someone, and seeing them triggers anger and shame. Maybe you’ll be disowned or lose credibility if you identify with the Christian faith. Regardless, Psalm 133:1 is far from your experience: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

4. Logistical Reasons
Maybe your issues are mainly logistical. You live far away, or your work hours change from week to week. Perhaps you’re often traveling, or the weekends offer valuable time to catch up on homework or house projects. For many moms, hauling young children to church can be chaotic and exhausting, and arguing with older kids each week can leave you feeling like a hostage negotiator. Whatever the situation, getting to and from church is challenging.

5. Preferential Reasons
Some frustrations are about preferences. You don’t like the music, the liturgy, the way people dress, or the leadership style. You wish the sermon were shorter, the people friendlier, the coffee better. Your preferences might reflect biblical principles or might just be nitpicky. But whether you’re right or wrong, constant frustration isn’t a good sign.

6. Cultural Reasons
Some of our preferences are cultural. You might be a blue-collar guy at a white-collar church, or a racial minority in a church where few understand your experience. You might be an immigrant, an overseas worker, or a third-culture kid. Whether it’s a language barrier or other elements that keep you feeling like an outsider, cultural differences can make it difficult to engage at church.

7. Recreational Reasons
Some people struggle with church for recreational reasons. The weekends are prime time for hobbies, adventures, tournaments, travel, or kids’ sports programs. With a busy week behind you and fresh opportunities before you, it can be hard to prioritize church.

8. Missional Reasons
Sometimes Christians have a hard time with church because there’s little direction coming from the leaders. We want to participate, contribute, and give ourselves to the mission Christ gave his disciples (Matt. 28:18–20). But a lack of leadership leaves you feeling like your church is on the sidelines instead of the frontlines.

9. Doctrinal Reasons
Sometimes Christians can’t find a church that aligns with their beliefs. The church you attend might be your default church but not your desired church, so you feel doctrinally homeless. You’d love for your church to line up with your convictions, but you don’t want to be divisive. Your differences might be hindering you from connecting or serving, and you might find yourself on the margins or on the verge of leaving.

If you can discern the reason behind your reluctance, the path forward becomes clearer.

10. Intellectual Reasons
Other Christians find church difficult for intellectual reasons. The messages seem trite and cliché, and you leave Sunday with none of your objections answered. Grad school, an intellectual occupation, diverse friendships, or a deep background in other religions makes you long for deeper thinking. Or maybe you’re just a contrarian, and you’re always playing devil’s advocate. You’re committed to Christ, but your church isn’t a place you would bring a non-believing friend.

11. Transitional Reasons
There are also transitional challenges to navigate. Sometimes these transitions are personal—you’re stepping away from a ministry or moving to a new city or searching for a new church. Other times the church itself is transitioning. A young new pastor takes the helm. Close friends leave. The church moves locations. Even a needed season of change can go on for too long and become a marathon without a finish line.

12. Personal Reasons
Finally, some have personal problems with the church. Maybe you’ve been abused by “spiritual authorities,” witnessed a pastoral scandal, or endured a church split. In some situations you might bear some responsibility, but even when you’re completely innocent, there’s still pain. Whether your wounds are caused by others or self-inflicted, personal history can make it hard to love a church, trust a church, or even attend a church.

We all have different personalities, situations, and challenges. But I hope the categories above kickstart your thinking as you assess your own situation. I can’t come through the page, diagnose your problem, and guarantee an easy solution. Often no silver bullet exists for the challenges we face in our churches. But God promises wisdom for those who ask: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

Counting down to Prayer Military Live-stream❤️❤️❤️ Kindly share the link please🙏

SALVATION
Klessis Lee (DD, N252)
My member, Angela Soh, has a brother suffering from terminal cancer. Although the Christians in the family have been trying to get him to believe in Jesus, he was always unwilling and said several times before that unless Jesus appears to him, he will not believe in Him.

Last week, when Angela and her family were in Malaysia, they received news that the brother was in a critical condition. She prayed together with her husband and three kids and in their prayers, they prayed that the brother will see Jesus face to face. Upon reaching back to Singapore, they heard that the brother had slipped into a coma. In his semi-consciousness, he saw a man clothed in white. When he woke up, he asked who the man was and the family told him it must have been Jesus. Because of that, he agreed to say the sinner’s prayer and he gave his heart to Jesus. Hallelujah! He has since been discharged from the hospital and is now resting at home.

Tansy Teo (AS, E51)
Throughout these 21 days of prayer, my cell group and I have been praying and fasting for my dad’s salvation. And last night, in my home, my dad received salvation and accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior! Amen!

HEALING
Clara Yeo (AZ, N408)
My dad suffered a stroke and half of his body was paralyzed. He has been on a wheelchair since late April this year. I prayed for my dad every single day for 21 days of prayer. Initially, nothing much happened. But God did a miracle during Dr Che Ahn’s service.

I was taking care of my dad at home and watching the service online. As I watched, I prayed and laid hands on my father’s shirt as he was upstairs and could not watch the service. As I was praying, my dad suddenly got up and started walking downstairs! I want to thank God for healing my dad!

FINANCIAL & JOB BLESSINGS
Ivan Neo (AS, W269)
I am a freelance interior designer. I have been going many months without any work projects. I fasted and prayed for a week, and a deal worth S$20,000 came in! Now I am still praying and believing God for another S$40,000 from a job.

Winnie Low (MSK, N308)
I have been praying for God to open doors for me in the area of my job. For the past four months, my company has been retrenching staff. Just this week, I received a job offer to manage an admin team! Praise the Lord!

Sharon (JE, E154)
After praying throughout this 21-Day Prayer, I received a 120 per cent pay increment with a job switch.

PERSONAL BREAKTHROUGHS
Angeline Koh (AN, E469)
A member of my cell group, Ammiel was a smoker. He made a commitment to God to go on vegetable fast and quit smoking during the 21 days of fast and prayer. Since 1 June, he has been able to keep his commitment to fast and has not smoked at all. He is also reaching out to his friends, and has successfully integrated two new friends into our cell group. He really has experienced a breakthrough in his personal life.

Aldrich Tjahjadi (YK, W375)
During the 21 Days of Prayer, I went on a 21-day beverage fast and put aside one hour to seek God every day. During this time, God used me in my song leading at an Encounter session during our youth camp, Camp Alive! During the session, God moved strongly and many members were touched and heard from God. People also wept in the presence of God throughout the session.

God also used my sister and I to bring about healing into my mum’s life in the area of her emotions. The breakthroughs and experiences that God has given to me during this time are life-changing. I have decided that I will go on a 21-day period prayer and fasting once a year.