Disciples Path:  Week 2: Our Prayers

James 5:13-18, CEB

If any of you are suffering, they should pray. If any of you are happy, they should sing. If any of you are sick, they should call for the elders of the church, and the elders should pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. Prayer that comes from faith will heal the sick, for the Lord will restore them to health. And if they have sinned, they will be forgiven. For this reason, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve. Elijah was a person just like us. When he earnestly prayed that it wouldn’t rain, no rain fell for three and a half years. He prayed again, God sent rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

This passage highlights the profound impact of prayer in the life of a believer. The passage encourages prayer in every circumstance—whether in suffering, joy, or illness—reminding us that communication with God is both a source of comfort and strength. James emphasizes that prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful act of faith that invites God’s presence and intervention. The example of Elijah demonstrates that fervent, righteous prayer can accomplish great things, even altering natural events, showing that God responds to the prayers of His people with real power.

These verses also underscore the communal aspect of prayer. James calls for the sick to seek the prayers of the church and for believers to confess their sins to one another, linking prayer not only to healing but also to restoration and unity. This passage reflects that prayer is both personal and corporate, intimate and impactful, capable of bringing about physical, spiritual, and emotional transformation. Ultimately, James 5:13–18 encourages us to approach prayer with faith and expectation, trusting in God’s willingness to hear and respond to the cries of His people.

Questions:  My question for us today is, “do we actually believe that our prayers are actually powerful?”  If so, does the way that we pray, the priority we give to prayer, and what we pray for reflect the belief in that power?

Prayer prompt:  Lord, I believe you will respond to my prayers for. . .

Song:  Do It Again – Elevation Worship