Day 11: The Power of Prayer
Read James 5:13-20
Context: How does James’ teaching about prayer serve as both a climax to his letter and a practical response to the various challenges he has addressed?
What is James’ teaching on prayer? It’s something we do when we’re suffering. It’s something done for the one who is sick. It is something we do to restore sinners to a right relationship with God and each other. It is effective when offered by the righteous. It is evidenced in a man who was as human as we are – so it’s something that can be experienced by us.
The link with everything James has said previously is important to note. James has touched on suffering as a vital theme in the letter. James has touched on faith as an important theme in the letter. James has highlighted the importance of doing right and getting things right in contrast to the world of wrong that we should have emerged from. Those themes are summed up in the teaching on prayer, with its heart not just based on physical healing, but also forgiveness of sins and bringing those who have sinned back into doing what’s right by the power of the prayer of faith, seeking God’s help to restore people.
Content: What different types of prayer does James mention, and what role do church leaders and the wider community play in prayer ministry?
Prayer for the suffering. This is something that those who are suffering exercise. What is its purpose? What are we looking for it to do? Well, one thing prayer does is bring God into our concerns, and hopefully, it also helps us understand what matters to God. Sharing suffering in prayer informs God of our struggles and hopes that we can receive His perspective to remain steadfast in suffering, so that when we endure, we will receive the crown of life.
Prayer for the sick. This is something the elders are called to participate in. This, in essence, makes our issues a communal issue, not just a personal one. The thinking behind the elders is about seeking support from those who should exemplify living by faith, walking by faith, and addressing sickness through faith. It’s even an opportunity for whatever blocks the right relationship with God to be resolved.
Praying for healing and for sins to be forgiven. This is something that should be the norm in the Christian community. We should pray for each other so that whatever is blocking us in our relationship with God can be resolved. We should be eager to be healed and recognise that the healing extends beyond surface-level physical issues. We should be concerned about whatever hinders us from expressing enduring, steadfast faith in Christ and bring it to God in prayer believing in faith that He can renew and restore us to the place where we can all endure and live by the steadfast faith that marks out those who can look forward to the return of Christ as the one to usher in eternal righteous rule.
Concept: What does James reveal about the power and effectiveness of righteous prayer, using Elijah as an example?
The example of Elijah highlights the power of prayer. This man’s prayer brought about famine to Israel for 3 and a half years. This man’s prayer returned rain to Israel after those three and a half years. The social, economic, political, as well as spiritual repercussions of that are massive. It informs us that a man, who was as human as we are, was able to bring about something of such huge consequences.
That leaves the challenge of trusting and believing God to be able to act with massive consequences – such as restoring people lost in sin, struggling to believe, and having divided loyalties. Our prayers must reach the level of faith that God can heal, God can restore, God can renew, and God can reestablish people to be in right relationship with Him and reflect His character of having steadfast love and steadfast faith.
Conclusion: How will you apply James’ teaching to deepen your prayer life and your involvement in praying for others, particularly those who are struggling spiritually?
What a timely question to ask. Partaking in a season of prayer has highlighted the need to deepen the commitment to prayer on the individual and communal level. It’s not about praying more or praying “better”. It is about praying with greater wisdom and being more intentional about praying with others deliberately and strategically, and encouraging the kind of prayer that builds faith that acts in line with what we believe and what we trust God for. I’m committed to both developing in praying on my own and seeking opportunities to do that deliberately and strategically with others. Doing that in the hope that we will all be healed from within and without and be dedicated and consecrated to life by steadfast faith in our faithful God.
Next Up – James – Final Day 12: Review and Integration
Review all your notes from days 1-11
Context: Looking back over James’ letter, how do the various themes work together to address the needs of early Christians facing persecution and social pressures?
Content: What are the most significant insights you’ve gained about authentic Christian living from your study of James?
Concept: How has James deepened your understanding of the relationship between faith, wisdom, and practical discipleship?
Conclusion: What specific commitments will you make to apply James’ teaching in your daily life, relationships, and service to God and others?
We are grateful that when times are tough, prayer can make the difference. The opportunity we have to express faith in connection to god can make all the difference in the world. That’s another reason to get the Word In so we can get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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