Love God Greatly - Made for CommunitySample

In this passage, James encourages and exhorts believers in Christ to pray. Prayers are the honest thoughts and desires of the heart and mind converted into a form of communication directed towards God. Prayer isn’t just words, but power. The power comes from God Almighty who hears and answers all prayers. Prayer doesn’t rely on any special words we say, any particular ritual, any particular time, nor does it rely on the amount of faith we have when we speak to God. Prayer flows from the awareness that God is involved and engaged in every aspect of our lives. James gives examples of the ways the Lord delivers through prayer: deliverance for those suffering, joy in the lives of those who are cheerful or depressed, relief for the sick, forgiveness and salvation for the sinner. Although the Lord’s answer to prayer may be “yes”, “no”, or “wait”, prayer opens our hearts to Him and expands our faith as we anticipate His answer.

Of course it is important for believers to pray for themselves, but in this passage James focuses on the selfless sacrifice of Christians to pray for one another. One common problem is that prayer is often the last resort instead of the first. Many Christians in their heart of hearts don’t believe there is power in prayer. We would much rather be busy “doing” instead of busy “praying”. That suggests that we believe we have more control over our circumstances than the Lord. Another common problem is the believer’s hesitancy of confessing trespasses and sins to one another for prayer. God calls us to be honest and forthcoming with others regarding our failings, especially when our mistakes involve them. Of course we must rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment and wisdom in order to know with whom to share and what to confess. But once shared with that trustworthy Spirit-led individual, there is great value, healing, and freedom in knowing that she or he is praying to Almighty God on your behalf. Where might you see changes in behavior, attitude or circumstances, if you were to offer sincere, impassioned, heartfelt prayer to the Lord?


PRAYER: Father God, You are our Lord who desires intimate connection with us. Thank You for the open access that we have to You because of the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus. Lord, let us never take for granted to our relationship with You for granted. Lord, make communication with You in prayer our first response to any situation or circumstance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.