THE POWER OF FOCUSED PRAYER

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16(KJV)

Have you ever wondered if your prayers really matter to God? For many years, I did. But James reminds us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. When our lives are aligned with God’s will, our prayers carry weight in heaven—and we can expect God to move on our behalf.

I witnessed this truth in October 2012 when my husband, Bishop Ricky Felton, then pastor of Christian Love Church of God, suffered a sudden brain bleed in the middle of a Sunday morning service. What began as a simple headache quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency. As paramedics rushed him to the hospital, doctors warned me that his condition was grave. Yet in the midst of it all, Pastor Rick whispered, “Don’t worry about me. Psalm 107:20 says, ‘He sent His word and healed me, and delivered me from my destruction.’”

From that moment on, one thing never ceased—prayer. Our church family prayed. Visiting pastors prayed. Our three children rushed home from college and prayed. Even the incoming Delmarva-DC Regional Administrative Bishop at the time, Thomas Madden, paused his own speaking engagement to come to the hospital and lift us up in prayer. Remarkably, even in his weakened state—sedated and connected to tubes—Pastor Rick himself prayed for his doctors, nurses, and visitors.

There were nights when fear crept in and the enemy whispered lies of despair. But because my focus was on God’s goodness and the assignments that awaited us, I only saw what my husband quoted, “God sent His word and healed me and delivered me from my destruction (Ps 107:20).

I watched the fluids draining from his brain, holding my breath with every change in color. But even then, I continued to pray, confident that God was walking through this with us.  Day after day, God gave us small signs of healing.  And on the 13th day, Pastor Rick walked out of the hospital with a clean bill of health.

Here’s what I’ve learned:Prayer is not wasted breath—it is heaven’s lifeline. When we pray with focus and faith, God hears. Even when circumstances scream “impossible,” prayer keeps us connected to the One who makes all things possible (Matt. 19:26-NIV).

Focused prayer keeps us anchored when storms come. God answers prayer in His timing and His way—but always for our good. Never underestimate the power of a praying community.

Dear God, thank You for the gift of prayer. Teach me to pray with focus and faith, trusting that You hear me and that You are at work even when I cannot see it. Strengthen me to stand firm in prayer for myself, my family, and others. May my life reflect the power of Your Word, and may I never doubt that You are still the God who heals, delivers, and saves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reverend Patricia C. Felton

Associate Pastor, Life Builders Church of God

Rev. Patricia Felton, along with her husband Bishop Ricky Felton serve as Pastors of Life Builders Church of God in District Heights, MD.  She also serves on several Delmarva-DC Church of God regional boards including the Women’s Ministries Board; the Calling And Ministry Studies (CAMS) Board; and the Regional Prayer Commission.

Rev. Pat has learned to trust God in all situations, giving Him all praise for the gifts and callings in her life.  She’s excited to continue to walk out the destiny God has set for her and is committed to sharing God’s love for the rest of her life.