The Particular about Prayer

Guest blogger: Pastor John Miller

Happy Labor Day! I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful Labor Day weekend.

Yesterday, we worked through James 5:13-20. We looked at four insights that James gives us regarding prayer in this last passage of the book of James. The following questions can be discussed to encourage us as we actively live out our faith.

1.      Prayer deepens our relationship with God. Prayer also changes things; it changes us and our circumstances. How have you changed through prayer? How have your circumstances changed through spending time in prayer?

2.      James tells us that through the power of prayer we receive four things in verses 13-15. We receive help in times of trouble, songs during moments when we are happy, healing when we are sick, and forgiveness to cover over our sin. Take some time and discuss when you have received HELP, SONGS, HEALING, and FORGIVENESS from God through prayer.

3.      We are encouraged to confess to one another and pray for one another in verses 16-18. Confession is not spilling out every detail of everything bad that you have ever done. Confession is openly and honestly taking responsibility for the sin that you have committed with a small group of trusted individuals that will accept you without judging you. Have you ever confessed your sins to one another as James says we ought to do? Ask God to give you wisdom as you take a moment and give the opportunity for people to confess one to another, and then pray for one another as a way to encourage each other.

4.      James says that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Remember “righteousness” is not perfection; rather it is having a right relationship with God. James shares an example of a righteous man in Elijah, who was a man “just like us” (verse 17). One of the main reasons why James gives Elijah as an example is because Elijah fervently prayed until something happened (P.U.S.H.) in I Kings 18:42-45. We ought to pray until something happens (P.U.S.H.) in our lives too. What is going on in your life that is causing you to P.U.S.H.?

5.      Our prayers should show a dependence on God, desperation for God, and a dedication to God. As we move through this week of Prayer & Fasting beginning Tuesday, Sept 6 through Sunday, Sept 11, let’s active our faith. Let’s believe God for incredible things as we move into the fall season.

May God give each of you a blessed week as we continue to serve Him!

Pastor John