James 5:16 says that the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” This is comforting for the faithful Christian.
It is significant to note though that there are some “qualifiers” placed around the prayer that avails much. Notice that James 5:16 does not say “prayer availeth much,” but rather “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Scripture teaches that for our prayers to be effective, there are some things needed on our part. One thing that is needed is righteous living.
This point is brought out strongly in 1 Peter 3:12, which says, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (also see 1 John 3:22).
God does not promise the unrighteous that their prayers will be effective. In fact, His face is against the unrighteous.
Part of living righteously involves becoming a Christian as God commands, (i.e., when a repentant believer is baptized “into Christ” for the remission of his or her sins (Gal. 3:27; cf. Acts 2:38)).
The context of 1 Peter 3:8-16 shows, though, that living righteously is not just a one-time event, but a lifestyle of surrendering to God’s commands. The one who chooses this life can take comfort in the promise of James 5:16.
– Michael Hickox