Jason Budd

        Prayer is such a wonderful thing!  It can strengthen the weakest soul, heal the deepest wound, and turn the darkest day into the brightest of blessings.  It's an allowance granted to us to connect to our God in such an intimate way, and for that we must be thankful.
        It is no wonder that we focus on prayer so much.  We announce the needy of prayer at the beginning of our services.  We have long prayers lists on the back of bulletins.  We engage in prayers during every worship service, because as James says, prayer can accomplish much.  However, we must look at the other side of prayer.
        Before the effectiveness of prayer is even mentioned, we're told to confess our sins to one another.  This isn't listed as a matter of suggestion or as a recommendation for a time of convenience, but a prerequisite to it.  We must participate in confession "so that" we may be healed.  In other words, if we want our prayers to accomplish much, we must be righteous.  If we want to be righteous, we must be prayed for.  If we want to be prayed for, we must confess our sins to one another.
        How often do you confess your sins?  You have sins.  We all do.  While many times it's our habit to anticipate forgiveness upon our vow to repent, there is nothing like the explicit confession of sins, the gentle request of prayers, and the ones in fact that follow, to wash away the filthiest of deeds.  How much do your prayers accomplish?  Are they just words buried in bad behavior, or a freely standing choir, calling on the mighty hand of God?