The Power of Effective Kneeling

Message Summary:

In this message from the “Hands-on Christianity” series, Chuck Swindoll explores the vital role of prayer as presented in James 5:13–18, where the subject is mentioned seven times in just six verses. Swindoll begins by revealing the historical nickname for James, “Camel Knees,” a title earned because his knees were calloused and baggy from spending so much time in prayer. The central premise of the message is James’s assertion that many believers lack blessings simply because they fail to ask for them.

Swindoll breaks down four specific life situations where James prescribes prayer as the essential response:

1. When Suffering: Those “smitten with trouble” or discouragement should pray to receive strength to endure.
2. When Sick: Those who are bedridden should call for the elders to apply medicine (“oil”) and pray, leaving the healing in God’s hands.
3. When Struggling with Sin: Believers should confess their faults to one another to find spiritual therapy and healing.
4. When Facing Specific Needs: Swindoll defines “effective” prayer not as a vague religious exercise, but as a specific, faith-filled request that releases power, illustrated by Elijah’s control over the rain.

The sermon concludes with the reminder that prayer is not a substitute for personal responsibility—one should not ask for a safe car while leaving the keys in the lock—but is a continuous resource for imperfect people living “a knee’s distance” from God’s throne.

Message Key Facts:

• James’s Nickname (“Camel Knees”): Tradition records that James spent so much time kneeling in prayer that his knees became enlarged, calloused, and baggy, resembling those of a camel.
• The “Surprise Room” in Heaven: Swindoll shares an analogy of a room in heaven filled with neatly packaged boxes bearing our names—blessings that were never delivered simply because they were never requested.
• Defining “Suffering” (James 5:13): The Greek word for “suffering” here suggests being “smitten with trouble.” It covers not just physical pain, but mental anguish, discouragement, or a difficult past memory.
• The Role of Oil: Swindoll interprets the “anointing with oil” in verse 14 as medicinal rather than purely liturgical. In James’s day, oil was a primary medical treatment; thus, the instruction combines prayer with the practical application of medicine.
• Confession to “One Another”: James 5:16 is not a directive for a confessional booth or public display, but a call for “spiritual therapeutics.” It encourages sharing burdens with a trusted fellow believer to draw out bitterness and find healing, much like drawing water from a deep well.
• “Effective” Prayer (Energeia): The word translated “effective” comes from energeia, implying a prayer that has energy and specific ingredients. Just as a speech can be dynamic rather than average, effective prayer is specific and impactful rather than filled with clichés like “bless the missionaries”.
• The Whistling Prayer: Swindoll uses the story of a friend named Randy to illustrate specific prayer. As a new believer, Randy asked God to help him learn to whistle—a request that seems silly to adults but demonstrates the childlike, specific faith God honors.
• Prayer as a “Hacking Cough”: The command to “pray without ceasing” does not mean remaining on one’s knees perpetually, but praying with the frequency of a hacking cough—constantly practicing the presence of God throughout the day.

Message References:

• James 5:13–18: The primary text, outlining instructions for prayer during suffering, sickness, and times of specific need.
• James 1:5: The promise that if anyone lacks wisdom amidst trials, they should ask God, who gives generously.
• James 4:2: The indictment that “You do not have because you do not ask”.
• Psalm 147:10: A humorous reference regarding God taking no pleasure in the “legs of a man”.
• Proverbs 20:5: “Counsel in the heart of a person is like deep water, but a person of understanding will draw it out,” used to illustrate the value of confessing to one another.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17: Paul’s instruction to “pray without ceasing”.
• Acts 12: The account of the church praying for Peter’s release from prison, illustrating that even fervent believers can be surprised when God actually answers their prayers.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll