Whats is the difference between praying and having a rabbit's lucky foot? Both depend on coincedence. How can you say prayer works when you still have diseases and killing? Does God ignore these prayers?

great question my friend. To be honest, if you read James 5:16, it speaks of how "the 'effectual fervant' prayer of the RIGHTEOUS availeth much"...so, here are a few things to consider:

1) What is effectual fervent prayer?
2) Who are the RIGHTEOUS?
3) What does "avails much mean?"
4) Does God hear everyone's prayers?

1--"effectual fervent" means persistent, intense, passionate & travail. So, our prayers & our prayer life as a whole should contain consistent elements of this "effectual fervent" nature.

2) The RIGHTEOUS are those who are born-again & have given themselves over completely to God for His use. Some called it being "saved," others say it's "set-apart" but either way, it's being in right standing with God through true repentance (II Cor. 7:10) & a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord.

3) "avails much" means that it works powerfully & produces great results.

4) God doesn't answer everyone's prayers because He's not obligated to do so, because those who AREN'T RIGHTEOUS are NOT His children, so He doesn't have to answer. The only answers that God is obligated to answer with the righteous are the prayers of repentance.

God bless you my friend.

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