The Prayer Excuse

James 2 says faith without works is dead. That means it’s not really faith at all.

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:15-17 

Not helping a brother in need is one example of dead faith. But it’s not the only example. Whenever it's within our power to act, but we refuse to act, prayer is simply an excuse. 

Some other examples:

1. When we refuse to discuss a relationship problem but claim we’ll pray about it.
2. When we ignore correction but never miss our quiet time.
3. When we pray for forgiveness but make no effort to change.

If our clothes are dirty, we don’t simply pray about it. We wash them. 

Prayer results in changed hearts and actions. If it’s not accompanied by those things, it’s simply an excuse.

Bible Love Notes