James 5:13-18 - Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 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 one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.

In this passage from James, the author encourages believers to pray in times of suffering, cheer, and sickness. He instructs those who are sick to call for the elders to pray over them and anoint them with oil. Through heartfelt prayer offered in faith, the sick can be healed and sins forgiven. We are exhorted to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other so that we may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, as evidenced by Elijah, whose earnest prayers controlled the rain. Though a mortal man, Elijah prayed fervently and God answered mightily through him.

This passage is so encouraging because it reminds us of the incredible power of prayer. When we or our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering, prayer offers comfort and hope. When we are cheerful, prayer allows us to exalt God's name in praise. And when sickness assails us, the prayers of the elders and our own cries for healing allow God to display His restorative power. Even Elijah, just a man like us, saw amazing miracles result from his prayers. If we live righteously and pray earnestly like Elijah, we too can see God move through our petitions. This passage exhorts us to avail ourselves of this mighty weapon of prayer without ceasing, for others and for ourselves. As we read of God's faithfulness to Elijah, may we be filled with expectant faith that He will also hear and answer our prayers offered in Jesus' name.

Father God, we praise You for the incredible power made available to us through prayer. Thank You for the comfort, joy, and healing that You provide when we come to You in earnest petition. Forgive us for our unbelief and lack of fervency in prayer. Give us hearts like Elijah's that cry out to You day and night, expecting Your hand to move in mighty ways. Please heal and restore those we know who are sick and suffering now. Embolden us to confess our sins to each other that we may find healing and freedom. Make us people of prayer who call upon Your name continually. Do wonders through our prayers offered in faith, that You may be glorified, oh Lord. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.