Today’s Superverse is James 5:13 – Prayer and Praise
Prayer and Praise – James 5:13
In his Letter to the Christians in the Dispersion, James has been advising them on how they should live out their faith in the face of adversity. The trials of life are difficult, but they are also God’s means to prepare them for the day of Christ’s return.
Throughout this section of the letter, James has been teaching these believers to respond to the trials with patience (James 1:8-12). It is important that they do not give up or grumble against the Lord. Instead, they should patiently wait for the Lord to restore them.
They should also seek the Lord’s will, confess their sins to each other, and reclaim wanderers from darkness into light. When these are done with genuine, active faith, they will bring healing to the sick and save those who have strayed away from God.
James 5:14-15 are a Call to Intercessory Prayer
Verse 13 teaches that if anyone is suffering or in distress, they should pray for help and ask the elders of the church for prayer. Similarly, if someone is happy or cheerful, they should praise God and ask the elders of the church to pray for them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
Then, in verse 15, James explains that prayer of faith is the answer to suffering or sickness. He uses the example of Elijah, whose prayers saved him from death and raised him up again. This example is powerful and encouraging. But, it is crucial to note that this type of faith is not only offered to the Lord by an individual; it must be called upon by the entire church community in order to save the sick and redeem the sinner.
