READ

James 5

“Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out” - James 5:13-15

REFLECT 

Today’s passage makes it clear that prayer is the answer! James is definitely trying to make a point here. At the end of the day, prayer means talking to God. There are all sorts of ways to pray-eyes opened or closed, hands together or by your side, kneeling or standing, reading a guided prayer, or making it up as you go. Whatever the case may be, all that matters is spending time talking to God. 

We’ve seen all through scripture the power of prayer. Abraham prayed for offspring, and God answered by promising him nations (Genesis 15:2-3; Genesis 21:1-8); a leper’s pray for healing, and God healed him (Matthew 8:2-3); Hannah was childless, and God answered by giving her a son (1 Samuel 1:11). Prayer is just as powerful today, and the best way to start praying is to start! 

Questions 

1. Do you spend much time praying? If not, how can you start?

2. What are three prayers you can write down? 

3. God wants us to pray for the needs of others, not just ourselves. Who do you know that you could pray for? 

PRAY  

Father, thank you that I can come to You in prayer for anything I need or anything that worries me. Please help me spend more time with you this week. Teach me how to pray and guide me as I learn. Amen.