(a) Effective Prayers (James 1:2 - 8, 5:13 - 18):
(i) James encouraged Christians to be joyful When they face various trials for it is a test of faith, while faith produces steadfastness.
(ii) He said that steadfastness should have its full effect so that they might be perfect and lack nothing.
(iii) If anyone lacks wisdom, he should pray to God who gives generously and without reproach.
(iv) James said that Christians must repent of their sins and confess them to one another; for God is holy, and does not tolerate sin;
(v) Prayers must be made in faith without doubting, for the doubter will receive nothing.
(vi) He compared anyone who doubts with a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
(vii) My petition made to God must be backed by belief that God would grant the requests.
(viii) God is glorified when people pray for the right things; thus prayers should be made according to the will of God;
(ix) Christians should exercise patience by waiting upon the will and the grace of God.
(x) They must pray in humility for their prayers to be effective;
(xi) They should also be persistent in prayer by praying unceasingly till their requests are met;
(xii) James taught that the fervent prayer of the righteous had great effect.
(xiii) He gave an example of Elijah who prayed fervently for no rain and there was no rain. He prayed again, and there was rain.
(xiv) James advised that the elders of the Church should be called upon to pray for the sick.
(xv) He taught that the prayer of faith would save the sick.

(b) Reasons for unanswered prayer:
(i) Double mindedness in prayer/unbelief/lack of faith
(ii) Unforgiving spirit on the part of the person praying.
(iii) Lack of concentration.
(iv) Unconfessed sins/keeping sins in the heart
(v) Asking for things not according to the will of God;
(vi) Lack of consistency.
(vii) Arrogance.
(viii) Lack of wisdom .
(ix) Selfishness.