Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

I find today’s passage to be somewhat simple yet somewhat difficult. Simple in that there are clear truths and principles here that James instructs us to apply to our lives regarding faith and prayer, and difficult in that at first surface reading, this passage almost seems to imply a works-based approach regarding healing and salvation, which ultimately, we know not to be true based on the full account of Scripture. But before digging into that any further, let’s begin with verse 13.

Here, James makes it a point that no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in—suffering, cheerfulness, or sickness—that we are to pray and seek the Lord. With suffering he calls us to pray; with cheerfulness, to sing praises; and with sickness, to call on the leadership of our church to pray over us. In all circumstances, these are out-workings of our faith: prayer, praise, and asking mature believers to pray over us.

These principles imply that we have an active communication and prayer life with God where we pray to Him in both difficult times and more wonderful times. As James urges us to call on the elders of the church to pray for us when we are sick, this implies that we are part of a church so that we have elders to call on. This passage amplifies the importance of having that faith community in our lives and leaders in the faith over us that we can call on in times of need.

Now, the way James describes the elders’ prayer can easily ruffle my Southern Baptist roots as he instructs them to anoint the sick person with oil in the name of the Lord. According to some of my ESV Study Bible notes, this could either refer to a medicinal approach or a sacramental approach as a way to symbolize the healing power of the Holy Spirit to come upon the person. Either way, I find it interesting to note that specific physical actions are tied to prayer here rather than just the act of prayer itself as a way to get more involved with prayer.

James also describes the type of prayer that is most effective here as being that of faith. A prayer without faith has no power, but a prayer of faith has power for it is God Himself who gives the gift of faith to begin with (Ephesians 2:8). Earlier I referred to this passage as being difficult because, as it continues, it can appear as though someone’s healing takes place based solely on whether or not the person praying for them has enough faith, thereby making it seem to be a more works-based approach. But, when we recognize that it is God who gives us faith, we remember that ultimately healing is in His hands and not ours.

While it would be a lie to pretend I don’t struggle with this passage as someone who has dealt with a chronic diagnosis both longing and praying for healing of my own and not yet receiving it miraculously, I do believe this passage is meant to exhort us to remember that God does indeed hear the prayers of those who are seeking Him and who are in pursuit of Him, but not only that, who are involved in a community of faith to both have elders and leadership to call on as well as a community to confess sins to. Yes, I believe this passage speaks to physical sickness and ailments, but I think more importantly it speaks to spiritual health. I think what James is aiming to underline in these verses is just how important and intertwined the aspects of prayer, community, and confession are to one another in our spiritual walk and how our faith is ultimately ineffective without all of these elements included therein.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• This passage begins with examples of varying circumstances in which James urges us to remain in communion with God. In what areas of your life today are you suffering? Pray to God about those things. In what areas of your life are you experiencing cheerfulness? Praise God for those things. What areas of your life do you need to call on your faith family to pray over your life for? Confess those things to the Lord, and call on trusted members of your faith community and ask for prayer.
• This passage examines the importance of being part of a local body (the church) with leaders you can call on. Take a moment to reflect on who you have in your faith community. If you’re struggling to think of anyone specific, take this time to ask God to grant that to you and show you where He wants you to get more involved in your faith community. Maybe you need to be prayed over by your community or maybe you are a part of someone else’s community who needs prayer.
• Pray and ask God how He wants you to respond.

Family Devo: James 5:13-20

By: Molly Miller

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.  

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset 

Key Verse: “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.” James 5:16

Head

What does this scripture tell you about God?

Heart

Verse 16 instructs us to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other. Think of someone who can become a prayer partner for you. (It can be a friend, family member, or someone at school or church!) Talk to and pray for one another often.

Hands

Verse 16 also says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” YOUR prayers are powerful and effective! Think of someone or a situation that you can be specifically praying for and make a point to pray about it daily. Who can you share these verses with this week?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing and answering our prayers! Help us to remember that You want to heal us when we are sick, help us when we are in trouble, forgive us when we sin, and rejoice with us when we are happy. I love You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.