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James 5:13-18

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you ill? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they 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.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. 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

Think

One of the most famous prayers in the Bible is the prayer of Elijah (1 Kings 17 & 18). Incredibly, he both produced and broke a severe drought through his prayers. 

In the passage before us today, James recalls Elijah’s prayers and makes the point that Elijah was a person just like us. He was a righteous man, and his prayers were earnest – but he was just like us. James concludes that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 

Our prayers can be weak and wishy-washy, but this was not the case with Elijah. He walked closely with God, and as a result he was God’s instrument through prayer for powerful results. God also wants us to be those who pray fervent faith-filled, yet humble prayers to God.

Ponder

  • How is prayer connected with healing (13-16)?
  • In what specific ways can you follow Elijah’s example (17-18)?

Pray

Think of someone else’s need (not your own). Bring this need humbly and earnestly to God, asking Him to give you fervency as you pray with a righteous heart.

Prayer and Praise

Psalm 88 :1-2

Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry for help.

  • Lord, I lift up my eyes to You, the One who is worthy of all praise and adoration.
  • Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of Prayer, of drawing near to You and placing our cares at your feet because You care for us.
  • Thank You, Lord, for “Open Doors” at Ashmont and for those who serve there in your name.
  • Thank You for Your word to us last Sunday, may our love for You be our priority.