The Effectiveness of Prayer in a World of Sin
The effectiveness of prayer in a world of sin is a complex issue that has been debated by various Christian traditions. According to the biblical text, prayer is not a guarantee of a specific outcome, but it can be effective in certain circumstances. In 1 John 5:16, it is written that "if a man sees his brother doing a sin which is not bad enough for death, let him make a prayer to God, and God will give life to him whose sin was not bad enough for death" [1]. This passage suggests that prayer can be effective in restoring a sinning brother, but it is limited to sins that are not "unto death".
The concept of "sin unto death" is not clearly defined in the biblical text, but it is generally understood to refer to a grave or unrepentant sin. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the "sin unto death" refers to a sin that is committed with a hardened heart, and for which the person is unlikely to repent [7]. In this case, prayer is not effective in restoring the individual.
The Bible also teaches that the effectiveness of prayer depends on the righteousness of the person praying. James 5:16 states that "the insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective" [5]. This is echoed by Easton's Bible Dictionary, which notes that "the supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working" [2].
The understanding of sin and its consequences is also relevant to the effectiveness of prayer. According to Romans 5:13, "sin is not charged when there is no law" [3], suggesting that sin is a transgression of God's law. The Fall of humanity, as described in Genesis 3, resulted in a state of sinfulness that affects all people [6]. In this context, prayer is not a means of earning salvation, but rather a means of seeking God's mercy and restoration.
Different Christian traditions have understood the effectiveness of prayer in various ways. According to Matthew Henry, the effectiveness of prayer depends on asking "according to his will" [9]. This view is supported by John Gill, who notes that prayer should be made in accordance with God's will and for the good of the church [8].
The biblical text also warns against the dangers of sin and its consequences. Psalms 109:7 states that "let his prayer be turned into sin" when a person is judged [4]. This highlights the importance of living a righteous life and praying in accordance with God's will.
Sources
- I John “I John 5:16 (BBE) — If a man sees his brother doing a sin which is not bad enough for death, let him make a prayer to God, and God will give life to him whose sin was not bad enough for death. There is a sin whose punishment is death: I do not say that he may make such a request then.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Effectual prayer — Occurs in Authorized Version, James 5:16. The Revised Version renders appropriately: "The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working", i.e., "it moves the hand of Him who moves the world."”
- Romans “For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not charged when there is no law. -- Romans 5:13”
- Psalms “When he is judged, let him come out guilty. Let his prayer be turned into sin. -- Psalms 109:7”
- James “Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. -- James 5:16”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Fall of man — An expression probably borrowed from the Apocryphal Book of Wisdom, to express the fact of the revolt of our first parents from God, and the consequent sin and misery in which they and all their posterity were involved. The history of the Fall is recorded in Gen. 2 and 3. That history is to be literally interpreted. It records facts which underlie the whole system of revealed truth. It is referred to by our Lord and his apostles not only as being true, but as furnishing the ground of all God's subsequent dispensations and dealings with the children of m”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 17:15: I pray not that thou shouldest take theft of the world,.... Either in an unusual manner, by a translation, as Enoch and Elijah were; or by death in its common form, before their time, and purely to be rid of afflictions: this he prayed not for; for he had much work for them to do, by preaching the Gospel, for the conversion of sinners and comfort of saints; and it was for his interest they should live longer; and it would make most for his glory, and be best for his chosen people and churches: but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil; either of sin, which is a”
- 1 John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 John 5:14: Here we have, I. A privilege belonging to faith in Christ, namely, audience in prayer: This is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us, Jo1 5:14. The Lord Christ emboldens us to come to God in all circumstances, with all our supplications and requests. Through him our petitions are admitted and accepted of God. The matter of our prayer must be agreeable to the declared will of God. It is not fit that we should ask what is contrary either to his majesty and glory or to our own good, who are his and dependen”