PROCLAMATION
“Is
any among you afflicted? Let them pray … Is any sick among you? Let
him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him … the prayer
of faith shall save the sick, and The Lord shall raise him up; And if he have
committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. … pray one for another, that ye may
be healed. The effectual fervent prayer
of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:13-16 (KJV)
EXPLANATION
These
words were written by James, the half-brother of Jesus, The Christ, (Galatians
1:19) under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers who
scattered after the crucifixion of Christ. (James 1:1) James begins the
fifth and final chapter of this letter by telling them that the rich people,
who lived in luxury, hoarded their wealth, failed to pay their workers, and
made innocent people suffer, will themselves suffer. (James 5:1-6) Then
he urges the believers to be patient. They that persevered in the face of
suffering will be blessed. (James 5:10-12) He encourages them to pray for
themselves and to ask the elders of the church to pray for them. The
prayers of the righteous are powerful and very effective. (James
5:13-16) If a believer falls into sin and backslides, whoever turns
him from the error of his ways will save a soul and cover a multitude of his
sins. (James 5:19-20)
APPLICATION
As
believers we are encouraged to always pray, and to pray about all things.
(Matthew 21:22, Luke 18:1, Luke 21:36, and Ephesians 6:18) We are also
encouraged to pray for one another. (James 5:16) The prayers of the
righteous are powerful. Prayer changes things. If all is going well
with you, then thank God and sing psalms or songs of praise. (James 5:13)
If all is not well, then pray, and ask the righteous to pray for you. (James
5:13-16) If you see a believer who is engaged in sinful behavior,
pray for them, and encourage them to return to the true way. (James
5:19-20) Remember, none of us is perfect, and we all need prayer and
God’s help.
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