Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  James 5:16 NKJV

Sometimes people are in such a grievous situation that they are not ready to hear the encouraging verses of Scripture.  They may not be ready to consider how God will work all things together for good, or that God’s grace will be sufficient.  They already feel that God has put more on them than they can bear.  

What can you say to someone in that condition? 

I will pray for you.  You can approach the throne of grace on their behalf.

Fervent is similar to fiery or passionate.  Sacrifice time to pray for that person in a passionate prayer.  The verses following this one give the example of Elijah who prayed so faithfully that there was a drought for three and one-half years.  He prayed again and it rained.

Along with passion, we want our prayers to be persistent.  

Ask, and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV

Finally, always pray according to the will and purpose of God. 

…Your will be done…  Matthew 6:10 NKJV

God will bless you for your passion, persistence, and praying for his purpose.  It is such a blessing to hear that your prayer has been answered.  He will bless you for your time.  Who needs your prayer today?

Let’s remember the 3 P’s of Prayer: passion, persistence, and purpose.  We must pray with passion, and we must pray persistently, but it is God’s purpose that we pray for, not our own.  Encourage others by letting them know that you have lifted them up in prayer.

Dear Lord, help my prayers to be more passionate, and may they always be for Your purpose.  Father, today I lift up (Name) to You.  Please pour out Your mercy, comfort, grace, and healing on them.  They are hurting, and they need You.  Thank You for what You will do.  You are our Father and You love them more than I can.  May your purpose be accomplished in their life, and we give You all the glory, honor, and praise.  In Jesus’ name, amen.