Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervant prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:13-16)
God’s Word to us indicates that there is a spiritual remedy, or antidote if you will to suffering, whether it be caused by evil treatment from those in darkness or persecution from abroad, seeking God’s comfort in prayer is our answer. The suffering servant of Christ, has not been forgotten. On the flip side of that, the natural response of a joyful heart is to sing praise to God. The Bible says, our Lord inhabits our praises and a heart that seeks Him and loves Him wants to let God know all the time. Singing songs of praise is just one way of showing your love and appreciation for a loving God who cares so much for us. God wants us to to pray for each other. James directs those who are “sick” weakened by their suffering to call on the elders of the church for prayer, support , and strength. The anointing with oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s welcomed presence to bring healing or deliverance making one whole. Prayers offered on their behalf deliver them from being weakened from their infirmity. This is a picture of the body of Christ. Your church family is made of brothers and sisters in Christ who demonstrate their love for Christ by being availiable for others. Confessing our sins to another believer is the first step of healing. The physical body is going to start breaking down with age, but the inward man is being made new everyday through the washing of the Word and the cleansing power that is in Christ Jesus, through the Holy Spirit.
Beloved friend, This life is but for a moment, it will soon pass. It is what we do for Jesus Christ is all that lasts. Are you praying for anyone in particular right now? Don’t stop just because you don’t see any results yet. The effective prayer is a deepened belief that God not only hears your cries, but is also able to answer your prayers of fervancy on behalf of others. Because your righteousness is from Him!
May the Lord bless your walk!