The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain on the land for 3-1/2 years. Again, he prayed and the heavens gave rain and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:16-17)
There's a tendency to think we need to attain a certain level of goodness or maturity before God pays attention to our prayers. I mean, why should God listen to me considering who I am and what I've done? I take courage from the fact that Elijah was a man just like us. A quick study reveals that Elijah rode an emotional rollercoaster in his life. He was fearless, then fearful. He was moody, angry, depressed and yet faithful, influential and bold. He had good days and bad days. Elijah was a man just like us. God withheld rain for 3 1/2 years because of the prayer of Elijah.
Then God gave rain because of the prayer of Elijah. I cannot explain why the mighty God of heaven acts upon the prayers of people like us, but he does. I heard it said, If you bring a thimble to God, he will fill it. If you bring a bucket to God, he will fill that. If you bring a 55-gallon drum to God, he will fill that too. In the hands of God your prayer is powerful and effective.
He is waiting to hear your big hairy audacious prayer (BHAP) right now.