James 5:13-20
Verse 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.
The style of prayer we are going to talk about today is one we may be most familiar with. When prayer requests are given it is evident we believe this kind of prayer is important as the majority of requests fit this category. The heart behind these requests speak of the special gift God has given us in people to love. These requests are for healing of those we care about.
When we hear about someone who is struggling we are quick to say, “I’ll be praying for you.” If we were honest there are many times we forget to mention them in our prayers. It isn’t that our intentions weren’t good, it’s just that life gets in the way. Congregational prayers are often filled with these prayers for people who are sick, dying or other such ailments and while those are important things to pray for, we can’t put physical health as the most important thing in life.
Many times when Jesus healed someone physically He mentioned their sins and forgiveness of those sins. Jesus had an eternal perspective and sadly that is something which is hard to truly understand as a human. It isn’t wrong to pray for someone to be healed from whatever is ailing them but should that be the only thing we are praying for each other?
Part of our praying for healing of those we love should include prayers for the medical staff which are helping on the case. We should be praying for them to have steady hands for performing surgeries, knowledge for the tests required and wisdom for the timing of each procedure along the way. But we also shouldn’t be afraid to pray for God to show off a little if it pleases Him and would bring Him great glory.
Times of health issues can be some of the most trying times of our lives. We struggle to keep our thoughts positive and may feel helpless which leads to feelings of hopelessness. It is in these valley moments when He can heal places in our mental and spiritual lives. This is another angle we should pray for those who are longing for healing. Pray for them to be setting their minds and hearts on Him and a solid relationship with Him. That is the open door to complete healing. Whether for the distant or near future.
Making It Personal
Do you pray for friends who are having health issues? Do you feel discouraged if God doesn’t answer your prayers the way you would like Him to? Who needs your prayers today?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever prayed for someone to feel better? Why did you want them to feel better? Do you pray for others to know Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding us there is more to life than physical health. Help us know how to pray for each other and our needs. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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