26 February 2022
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
From James 5:13-20, NRSV
In his closing words of guidance to the Church in Jerusalem, James emphasises the importance of fellowship and prayer that should exist in their life as a community. Each member was to be concerned for the needs of others and to share their joys and sorrows together. The advice he gives about the care of the sick and the confession of sins speaks very strongly of the power of the prayerful support of the community. Over time, the formalisation of the rites for anointing the sick and confession of sins have perhaps meant that these have become mainly associated with the involvement of priests or ministers. However, as James reminds us, the prayer of others is both powerful and effective. Many who have received the prayerful support of their communities will attest to the difference this made at times of illness or at other difficult times. Whilst physical healing may not always be the outcome, those being prayed for often describe the feeling of being “held” in the prayer of others and of the great consolation this brings.
- Why do you think James described prayer as “powerful and effective”?
- When have others prayed for you – what difference did this make?
Pray today for anyone you know who is sick or experiencing some difficulty – you may also like to reach out by sending a card or message.
