Tag: James 5
Prayer is Working!
Scripture reading for November 6: James 5
“Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” James 5:13-18
James concluded his letter to the suffering church with encouragement to pray. Tradition says that James, Jesus’ half-brother, was a man of prayer. His knick-name was ‘camel-knees’ because of callouses on his knees from much time in prayer. His advice to the suffering: Pray! James encouragement to those who were cheerful: Sing praise! His encouragement to the sick: Call the elders to pray! We honor Him when we ask in faith for needs and healing. (Psalm 50:15) We honor Him when we sing praises in worship and adoration for His work. (Psalm 103:1-3)
But prayer and praises must come from a heart anchored in faith in God and His Word. All prayer for healing is based on God’s demonstrated will through Jesus Christ and His Word. “The Lord will raise him up” is our hope and trust. We who pray must also be righteous, but our righteousness is not based on us doing everything right, but in Jesus Christ Who Alone was perfect. His righteousness becomes ours by faith and gives us ability to pray in faith with great power. Because of this, we are told to confess our sins one to another that we might be healed and walk in the power of fervent prayer. Elijah was cited as an example of fervent prayer and the Lord giving results. Let’s release our faith through fervent prayer and praise! He will bring resurrection life!
Do you find it hard to spend time in regular prayer? Is there one thing you need that you have not prayed about or asked the elders to pray with you for? Will you pray a prayer of faith today or ask for help? Can you offer praise and thanksgiving for God’s answer now?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for often worrying or whining instead of praying to You in faith. I have also been reluctant to ask other believers to pray. Forgive my pride and self-sufficiency. Give me grace to ask You for the help I need and to ask other mature believers to pray over me. Amen.
Prayer is powerful and effective!
Scripture reading for November 7th: James 5
Key Scriptures for over-comers: James 5:13-16 “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Confession, prayer and praise are great responses to any of life’s ups and downs! James was known as “old camel knees” because he was such a man of prayer and love for God. He closed his letter with strong encouragement to pray. Each believer is righteous and has access to God’s throne through Christ Jesus. Our prayers are powerful and effective, able to bring help in trouble or healing in sickness. Praise to God brings joy and a thankful heart. Confession of sins brings forgiveness and healing.
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers pray with power and effectiveness through a strong relationship with Jesus Christ! “Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach Him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:6-7)
The Judge is at the Door!
Scripture reading for November 6th: James 5
“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. Se how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and the spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:7-9)
James, the pastor, is concerned about the Church and the ability of its members to stand before the Lord when He comes again. Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that helps believers to stand firm and keep on trusting in the face of intense opposition. The flesh loves to complain and blame others, often leaders! James knew the temptations that his people faced and warned them appropriately using the example of a farmer waiting for his crop and the rains from heaven. He also reminded them of the Old Testament prophets, like Job of old, who suffered patiently and how God eventually worked out their suffering for good!
“Is anyone in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the Name of the Lord.” (James 5:13-15) Living by faith requires godly action and discipline to do what God has required. In every situation of testing or blessing, prayer, thanksgiving and praise to the Lord is appropriate and will be rewarded! “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) We must be watchful over our wandering brothers in Christ as well as our own souls! Jesus is coming!