That Dog Won’t Hunt ∙∙∙
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. – James 5:16
James 5:16-18
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!
Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain, and the earth began to yield its crops.
Origin of the Expression “That Dog Won’t Hunt”
The expression “That dog won’t hunt” is a colloquialism rooted in the Southern United States. It originates from the world of hunting, where a dog that refuses to track or retrieve game is considered useless for its intended purpose. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphor, used to describe ideas, plans, or arguments that are ineffective, impractical, or destined to fail. Comparable expressions include “It just ain’t going to happen” or “It ain’t going to work out.”
While the exact origin of the phrase is unclear, it is believed to have been in use since at least the 1930s, particularly in rural and hunting communities.
The phrase gained national prominence in the 1960s, thanks to President Lyndon B. Johnson, who frequently used it in his speeches and conversations. Known for his colorful, folksy language, Johnson often employed Southern idioms to connect with his audience and emphasize his points. His repeated use of “that dog won’t hunt” brought the expression into mainstream American culture.
The Song Inspired by the Phrase
In 1986, Waylon Jennings, a legendary figure in country music, further immortalized the phrase by turning it into a song titled “That Dog Won’t Hunt.” The song, like the expression itself, reflects themes of futility and failure, resonating with Jennings’ signature storytelling style. His adaptation of the phrase helped solidify its place in American pop culture, ensuring its continued relevance in both language and music.
Ineffective Prayer: When “That Dog Won’t Hunt”
The phrase “that dog won’t hunt” often reflects the sad reality of ineffective prayer. Many people experience unproductive prayer but still hesitate to face this truth. Such prayer fails to produce tangible results, cannot fulfill its intended purpose, and appears to leave the Father unmoved. This kind of prayer is ultimately inadequate and useless. Simply put, ineffective prayer is prayer that is not answered.
Defining Effectiveness and Ineffectiveness
To understand the idea of ineffective prayer, it is important to grasp the meanings of the terms “effective” and “ineffective.
- Effective: This term refers to successfully achieving the desired effect, intended outcome, or expected result. Effectiveness demonstrates competence, capability, and the ability to influence or complete a task.
- Ineffective: This term describes a failure to produce the desired effect or outcome. Ineffectiveness indicates inadequacy, a lack of power, or an inability to achieve the intended purpose.
The Acid Test of Prayer’s Effectiveness
The true test of prayer’s effectiveness is simple: Does it show a real result? If prayer doesn’t bring results, it’s probably not effective. In other words, “that dog won’t hunt.”
The Assumptions Behind Ineffective Prayer
Why are prayers often ineffective? If believers are sincere and truly seek the best outcomes, the problem may not be their motives but their assumptions.
- Do we assume we know what is best in a given situation?
- Do we pray for the Father to fulfill our plans rather than His?
- Do we ask God to do what we think is right rather than do what He knows is right?
If so, we need to change our way of thinking. The Scriptures indicate that effective prayer is the result of harmonizing our petitions with God’s will, not our own.
The Lord Jesus Christ clearly taught this in Matthew 6:10: “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”
Compare this with Luke 11:2: “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.’”
How Can We Make Our Prayers More Effective?
Consider a favorite athlete performing at their peak. Now, imagine that same athlete as a 5-year-old child. While the potential for greatness may be evident, the child cannot perform at the same level as the adult. What bridges the gap between the child and the world-class athlete? Time and practice.
Similarly, in prayer, our desires may be pure, and our intentions sincere. Yet, like children tugging at a parent’s clothes, we may lack the maturity to align our prayers with God’s best. What if our view of “the best” falls short of His perfect plan?
REFLECT & PRAY
As Warren Wiersbe aptly stated, “The purpose of prayer is not to get man’s will done in heaven but to get God’s will done on earth.”
Father, please grant me the ability to pray effectively. Help me know You more deeply, hear and recognize Your voice, and align my heart with Your will. Give me the courage and willingness to fulfill Your desires.
INSIGHT
The Power of Effective Prayer
Thomas Haire asserted, “Praying itself is not a shot in the dark, not a net cast into the sea with the hope of a good catch. Praying is working along with God in the fulfillment of His divine plan.” He emphasized, “In prayer, we need always to obtain the wisdom of the Spirit so that we may pray according to the will of God and not suffer discouragement from failure to see our prayers realized.”
These statements highlight a profound truth: effective prayer is not random or aimless. It is intentional, purposeful, and aligned with the will of God. To pray effectively, we must first seek to understand the Father’s will. This requires a deep relationship with Him and the ability to hear and discern His voice. The prophet Elijah serves as a powerful example of this principle.
Elijah: A Model of Effective Prayer
James explains in James 5:16-17:
“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years.”
Elijah’s story demonstrates that effective prayer is not reserved for extraordinary people. James reminds us that Elijah was like us, human, with the same nature and limitations. However, his prayers were powerful and effective because they aligned with God’s will.
How Did Elijah Pray Effectively?
Elijah’s effectiveness in prayer stemmed from his close, personal relationship with the Father. Instead of relying on his own desires or assumptions, Elijah prayed according to God’s revealed will. The Father revealed His intentions to Elijah, who then prayed in accordance with these divine plans, ensuring that his supplications were aligned with God’s will.1 Kings 17:1-2:
“Now Elijah, who was from Tishbe in Gilead, told King Ahab, ‘As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, the God I serve, there will be no dew or rain during the next few years until I give the word!’ Then the Lord said to Elijah…”
Later, when the time came for the drought to end, God again revealed His will to Elijah.
1 Kings 18:1: “Later on, in the third year of the drought, the Lord said to Elijah, ‘Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain!’”
Elijah’s prayers were effective because the Father’s will drove them. Elijah did not act on his own but followed God’s direction.
The Energy Behind Effective Prayer
James provides further insight into the nature of effective prayer.
James 5:15: “The energized prayer of a righteous man is able to do much.”
The Greek word translated as “energized” or “effective” is energeo, from which the English word “energy” is derived. This term emphasizes that effective prayer is not passive or weak; it is a dynamic force that calls down God’s power.
John MacArthur describes such prayers as “a potent force in calling down the power of God.” The energy behind effective prayer comes directly from the Father. When a righteous person prays in alignment with God’s will, their prayers are empowered by Him. The Father communicates His will, and through prayer, He works in and through children of the King.
A Prayer That Works
Elijah’s story shows us that effective prayer isn’t about being poetic, trying hard, or earning God’s favor. It’s about aligning ourselves with God’s will. When we ask for His guidance and pray in line with His plans, our prayers become powerful and effective.
Now that dog will hunt!
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© Dr. H 2026
Dr H Reflections 