Title: How Should We Pray?
Text: James 5:13–17
Introduction
Prayer is the spiritual breath of the believer. It is our constant, vital communication with the Creator (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Throughout the Gospels, we see that Jesus did not just suggest prayer; He practiced it continually as His source of power and guidance (Luke 18:1; Matthew 6:6). Similarly, the early church was not built on programs or human wisdom, but on the foundation of persistent prayer (Acts 2:42).
In his epistle, James provides us with a practical blueprint for this spiritual discipline. He shows us that prayer is not a religious ritual but a dynamic force. Today, we will explore the characteristics of effective, fervent prayer that aligns with the heart of God.
I. Individual Prayer: A Personal Refuge
Scripture: James 5:13
James begins by addressing the individual. Prayer must be our first response to every season of life, not our last resort.
• In Every Circumstance: James asks two questions: Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Whether in the valley of affliction or on the mountaintop of joy, our first instinct should be to turn toward God.
• The Example of Christ: In His moments of greatest crisis, such as the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus sought solitude to pour out His heart to the Father (Matthew 26:38–46).
• Casting Our Cares: Individual prayer strengthens our spiritual resolve. When we "cast our cares" upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), we exchange our anxiety for His peace.
Application: Do not wait for a corporate gathering to speak to God. Cultivate a private altar where you meet the Lord daily.
II. United Prayer: The Power of the Body
Scripture: James 5:14
While personal prayer is vital, there is a unique authority found in the collective voice of the church.
• Community in Crisis: James instructs the sick to call for the elders of the church. This highlights the importance of spiritual covering and community.
• Biblical Results: * When Peter was in prison, the church offered "constant prayer," and an angel opened the iron gates (Acts 12:5–12).
◦ When the believers prayed together for boldness, the place was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:29–31).
• A Culture of Unity: From Paul’s emotional prayer with the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:36) to his constant requests for the churches to pray for his ministry (Romans 15:30–31), we see that the New Testament church was held together by the glue of united prayer.
Application: Corporate prayer fosters spiritual communion and reminds us that we do not walk this path alone.
III. The Prayer of Faith
Scripture: James 5:15
James makes a bold claim: "The prayer of faith will save the sick." Faith is the "engine" that moves the vehicle of prayer.
• Believing Without Doubting: We are cautioned in James 1:6–7 that the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind. To receive from the Lord, we must ask in faith.
• Moving Mountains: Jesus taught that even mustard-seed-sized faith can move spiritual mountains (Mark 11:24). Faith is not about "positive thinking"; it is about absolute confidence in the character and power of God.
Application: It is not enough to merely say the words; we must pray with a heart fully persuaded that God is able.
IV. Intercessory Prayer: Praying for Others
Scripture: James 5:16
The command is clear: "Pray for one another, that you may be healed." Intercession is a sacred duty for every Christian.
• The Ministry of Intercession: The Apostle Paul was a master intercessor. He constantly "labored in prayer" for the Colossians, the Ephesians, and the Philippians.
• Reciprocal Prayer: Paul was not too "spiritual" to ask for help; he frequently begged for prayer for his own protection and clarity in preaching (Colossians 4:3; Hebrews 13:18).
• Healing Through Unity: There is a deep spiritual restoration that happens when we carry each other's burdens. Intercession humbles the person praying and encourages the person being prayed for.
V. Fervent and Effective Prayer
Scripture: James 5:16
James notes that it is the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man" that avails much.
• Passion and Sincerity: Fervent prayer is "ardent." It is not a cold, repetitive recitation but a sincere, heart-felt cry. We are called to serve and pray with spiritual fervor (Romans 12:11).
• Alignment with God’s Will: Why are some prayers ineffective? James 4:3 tells us that sometimes we ask with "wrong motives." Effective prayer is aligned with the will of God (1 John 5:14). When we pray what God already wants to do, heaven moves.
VI. The Reality of Answered Prayer
Scripture: James 5:17–18
Finally, James points to the prophet Elijah to show that prayer is not for "super-humans." Elijah was a man with "a nature like ours," yet he prayed and the heavens were shut for three and a half years.
• God’s Diverse Responses: God always hears, but His answers vary according to His perfect wisdom.
◦ Yes: As seen in Elijah’s prayer for rain.
◦ No/Wait: As seen when Jesus asked for the "cup" to pass, but the Father’s greater plan of salvation required the Cross (Matthew 26:39).
◦ Different Provision: Paul asked three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be removed. God said "No," but gave him something better: "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:8–9).
Application: Trust the Wisdom behind the Answer. Whether the answer is "yes," "no," or "wait," God is working for your good.
See Also
- What Should We Boast In?
- Can God Get Fed Up with Our Worship? Isaiah 1:11
- Is Neutrality Possible in Religion?
Conclusion
Prayer is the lifeline of the soul. Without it, we are spiritually disconnected and powerless. But as James has shown us, when we pray individually and collectively, with faith and fervor, and with a heart for others, we tap into the very power of God.
Let us be a people who do not just talk about prayer, but a people who pray—until the atmosphere of our lives, our families, and our church is transformed by the presence of the Lord.
