James 5:13-20
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 man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
A Thought
Have you faith to believe God’s word is true? If you do, know that your prayers are powerful and effective. James is speaking to all of us that are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to work together as believers. If we are in trouble, pray. Happy? Sing songs of praise. Sick? Call the mature elders of the church to anoint with oil and pray in faith. If we have sinned, we should confess, be forgiven and healed.
Consider Elijah a man like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain. What happened? No rain for three and a half years. Then, he prayed for rain; it rained and the earth produced its crops.
Brothers and sisters, let us encourage and hold each other accountable. A disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ who humbles himself, confesses his sin, and continues to learn from God’s word. Let’s be disciples together and also make new disciples for Jesus. Let us use the faith we have; ask God to make us strong effective prayer warriors.
Our Prayer
Father, help us to believe all of your word; to be bold in prayer for one another together. Help us to use the faith we have. We ask that you increase our faith for your glory. We desire to see your miracles of salvation and healing. In Jesus’ name, amen.
