Whenever I meet a new group of guys, conversation eventually moves its  way to our favorite hobbies. One thing common among men is fishing. Afterall, it is America’s most popular outdoor sport.

As the conversation continues,  fishermen emerge. We share stories of our favorite angling adventures. Laughter, wonderment and ideas are exchanged.

Some times those conversations lead to an invitation. Fishing is more fun when shared with friends, new and old. Companionship is a part of this sport.

But, I don’t have the time to fish a lot. When I can go, I like to go with those who not only like to fish but especially with those who catch a lot of fish. Nothing is guaranteed but fishermen are not all created equal.

I like to fish with those who are effective at catching. They are always eager to teach. Passing on secrets and techniques is a common habit by those who invite you to join them on the waters.

Those who are effective leave clues. It isn’t just the stories. True fishermen don’t exaggerate. Knowledge and details mark their conversation.

You fish for their answers. When their answers match with skills then you have clues that the words are an accurate report not an empty hope. Experts never oversell. There is a modest confidence that they exude.

Prayer is similar. All Christians pray. But, among the many there are some who are very good at it.  They bring a request to the throne of grace and experience a high number of answers to those prayers.

James describes effective prayers. Prayers are almost always good. But, prayers that are answered are special. What is the formula for successful prayers?

Effective prayers first and foremost are offered by lives that are righteous. A righteous person is someone who habitually makes right choices. These choices are not “lucky” guesses but deliberate choices made with full knowledge and desire to do what is right.

This righteous life is not lived by a super hero. Rather, Elijah, is an example of such living.  He was a man just like us. Yet, his prayers stopped the rain and brought it back as well.

That kind of success in prayer can’t be faked. Elijah is the kind of man who I want praying for me. His kind of prayer life is the kind that I want for myself.  Live this way and the resulting prayer life will also be this way.

James 5.16-18

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