“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.” — James 5:16-17
When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, the word of God declares, “So he drove out the man, and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword, which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:24).
What a sad story. They had it all, and in a moment of selfishness and disobedience, they lost everything and were driven from the presence of the Lord.  
But there was one thing they had — the ability to pray.
Unfortunately, many people today never see their parents use the power of prayer. We never hear of them repenting of their sin or even telling God they were sorry for what they did.
Prayer is an act of humility by a soul in need petitioning the only one with all the answers. It would be a different story if Adam humbled himself and prayed. Yes, he sinned, but God is looking to help all those who call upon Him in true repentance, meaning they are sorry for their sin and want to change.
Oh, the power of prayer, it transcends human frailty, sickness and disease. Do you wish you could start a new chapter in your life’s story? Would you like to see the hand of God directing you and whatever situation you are in? Then begin to pray. Call upon the God of heaven. We are limited, He is not. We are weak, but He is strong.
Our Bible reading says, “Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are.” Elijah was a human being, with feelings, affections and a constitution like ours. He was not superhuman or angelic, but, like you and me, he had to overcome the same temptations.
But the Bible says he prayed. James 5:16 tells us he prayed effectually and fervently. This means earnest, heartfelt, continued prayer. We also are told of the condition of his heart: “A righteous man.”  
Would you like to experience the power of prayer? Then ask Jesus to forgive all your sins and make you righteous. Then, draw near to God in prayer.  
What would happen to your family if Hollywood’s hellish influence was turned off and you began to pray? Think about it. Society acts out the violence and perversion that it watches every day. What would happen if we all exercised the power of prayer? What if America truly humbled herself and, once again, prayed to God Almighty?
Elijah prayed and fire fell from heaven, a nation turned to God and judgment was postponed. Let us pray. Pray with me right now. Let us believe God and bow not only our heads, but our hearts, and we will see what prayer can do.

A.F. Bradeen is pastor of House of Prayer Christian Church and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.