The Life of Prayer!

The Prayer of Faith

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

Today James talks about the power of prayer for all that happens in the body of Christ. The upcoming verses talk about When to pray, How to pray, and Why we pray. This is perhaps driven by his commentary on swearing yesterday. Swearing by anything represents unbelief, while prayer is trusting God in all circumstances. There are 3 situations when we should pray.

1. If someone is in trouble. The word for "trouble" in the original language is a word linked to suffering. It can be related to suffering because we are not sure where God is at in our suffering. Trouble is the time to pray.

2. In times of happiness. Word for "happiness"is related to cheerfulness or encouragement. It is the opposite of trouble. James reminds us to pray in times of suffering or cheerfulness. Sometimes we get complacent in prayer when things are going well.

3. Finally James calls them to pray in times of weakness or being sick. Weakness or sickness makes us feel powerless. We also feel defeated in these times. Hence the call to prayer for God's power. Ole Hallesby, the great teacher on prayer, wrote, "Your helplessness is your best prayer."

As you can see James knows how the new church community will need prayer for all circumstances. This is perhaps what Paul means by "pray in all circumstances". 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. We hear often that we should be people who have "a life of prayer". What James is teaching today gives us a idea of what this means.

So what condition are you in today? Sick or well. Encouraged or discouraged. Happy or sad. Take time to pray today, and see God's power and his desire to be intimately involved with us all circumstances. Let us pray!!

Jesus thank you for giving us the gift of prayer. You prayed in all circumstances. As we pray, give us a peace which passes all understanding. Holy Spirit guide us in our prayers as you intercede through us. Thank you God for the gift of prayer showing how much you care for us. Help us to live a life of prayer today. Amen.

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