Pray for Health and Healing: Pray in Faith

Meditate On It

1. What does James exhort his readers to do when dealing with various situations of life (whether in suffering, cheerfulness, sickness, or sinfulness in vv13-15)?

2. When experiencing sickness or illness, what are people instructed to do (v14)? What does it mean to “anoint” someone with oil in the name of the Lord?

3. How are people to pray whenever there are sick individuals in the Church (v15a)? Who is it that grants healing (v15b)?

4. Aside from praying in faith for healing, what else are people instructed to do (v16)?

Apply It

This passage shows us that healing can take form in different ways and at various times. The Lord sovereignly chooses to restore the one who is sick, or even to raise him or her up from their condition, and yet forgives their sin based on His grace. Whatever way God chooses to bring it about, we are instructed to pray in faith for those who are sick and confess our sins to one another.

1. Whenever I pray for healing, do I do so in faith in God who is the Great Physician? Am I humble enough to ask for prayers from our elders, pastors, leaders, and fellow church-mates? Do I also faithfully consult my doctors and medical practitioners?

2. Have I confessed my sins to another, other than God? Do I have a confidant or an accountability partner who can pray with me and for me when the times get tough?

3. I will take the time to pray in faith for those who are currently sick and more importantly, in need of salvation. By faith, I will pray for….

(Mention each person by name).

Pray It

Let us confess our unworthiness before the Lord. For the times that we have relied on our resources and reasoning, rather than running to God first and foremost---for our healing and wholeness.

• As we pray for healing – whether for ourselves or others – let us trust that God heals in His time and in His way. Instead of demanding or dictating how the Lord should heal us or our loved ones, let us remember to pray with child-like faith—believing that God is the same Healer yesterday, today, and forevermore.
• Pray for good health from the Lord as we do our part in eating properly, sleeping adequately, exercising regularly, and also practicing soul care daily.