James, the author of the epistle named after him, had several appellations. He was known as a half-brother of the Lord Jesus. He was also known as James the Just. Proofs abound that he led the Jerusalem church until his death about AD 62. Paul would later identify him as one of the recognizable pillars of the church. Another interesting appellation was that of Old Carmel Knees. He acquired this because of the calluses he developed on his knees due to repeated kneeling in prayers. Expectedly, such personality should be an authority in the subject of prayer.

” Asking God for a thing and doubting at the same time reduces the potency of the prayer…if God raised Jesus from the dead, then He can raise us from any valley of despair to a height of glory.”

In his writing, James touched on two things that can make prayer ineffective. Going in reverse order, he stated in chapter four that prayers made just to consume the results on our selfish passion have no guarantee. That would suggest that prayer is not designed to indulge our every whim. It is a solemn duty to help people align with the will of God and receive things that will bring Him glory. In chapter one he touched on the importance of faith when we are dealing with prayer. He wrote that those who need wisdom should ask God for it in prayers. I believe this applies to every other need as well. The caveat, however, is that in asking faith must be applied. Asking God for a thing and doubting at the same time reduces the potency of the prayer. Being double-minded makes one look like the waves of the sea being turned every side. Such an attitude robs one of the dividends of praying. When we pray, it must be with great confidence, bearing in mind Romans 8:32. If God gave us Jesus, He will freely give us all other things as an addition. Again, if God raised Jesus from the dead, then He can raise us from any valley of despair to a height of glory.