Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

-- James 5:13–18

Reflection
This passage speaks to me of my individual responsibility as a believer and the amazing blessing God gives us when we spend time together.

This passage speaks to me of action. Prayer is action.

I confess, most of my suffering is self induced; things that I have done or ignored. There are consequences so I end up suffering. Sharing sorrow before the Lord is key, but leaning on a caring shoulder is so necessary to this soul. When we are lifted up, we can lift up others. I want to lift you up! I want you to lift me up!

Cheer is medicine. Even if you sound like a cow dying in the field when you sing (me), sing! Sing with all of your might! When you are glad, don’t hide it! Go for it. My favorite bit of the tiny Sunday School children is their sheer joy and abandonment when we worship. I think that this is what our Lord asks of us from time to time. If the prodigal son has come home, lets dance!! Let’s sing!

I’ve experienced the miracle of healing prayer for the sick. I am so glad that I swallowed my pride and asked for the people of God’s intervention. This is the stuff that builds my faith to know that our God reigns and hears our call. Plain old you and me can make all of the difference to a suffering individual/world. What an honor! What a gift to know that you are granted the opportunity to change this world. Whether you are two or 102, you can pray. In my mind, prayer is an honored privilege; a mighty gift from God.

Fellowship is key to me. Yes we have our Lone Ranger believers, and am grateful for their prayers. however I truly enjoy your fellowship: your joys and concerns are mine. Yes, I am my brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.

--Pat Smith

Questions
Have you ever gathered with a group of believers to pray for a specific person or situation? What was the experience like for you?
Do you believe the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective?

Prayer
Lord Jesus , you teach us to pray, tell us to ask and we will receive. Help us today to receive the gift of prayer, of talking honestly with you, of pouring our hearts out to you in praise and pain. Amen.