The Power of Prayer

James 5:13-20

Introduction

We come now to the last section of verses in the book of James.

We hope to make some helpful observations about the this passage and perhaps tie those thoughts into the letter as a whole as we conclude our study.

Let’s note at the outset that this passage has a few places that consistently get removed from the context in order to weigh in on a number of subjects.

Some use it to prove you should go to church instead of doctors.

Some use it to show that essential oils are…essential.

Some use it to defend the coercion of confessions or even confession to some sort of priestly class.

The Catholic church uses it to defend the rite of Extreme Unction.

As usual, the text is much more practical than all of that.

Turning to Prayer

There is a context of suffering throughout the letter (Jas. 5:13).

The letter starts out with attention to suffering trials (Jas. 1:2).

A couple of months ago we looked at the condemnation of the rich at the beginning of this chapter as a description more of that suffering (Jas. 5:1-6).

This will be important as we continue through this passage.

Pray or praise according to the moment (Jas. 5:13).

This whole section is about prayer.

Are you distressed? Plead with God.

Are you in a place of confident rejoicing? Praise God.

The avenue of prayer can all to easily be belittled as a real means of comfort to the afflicted.

If you are too weak to pray, ask others to come pray (Jas. 5:14-15).

The word for sick here is often translated weak especially in the epistles (Matt. 26:41; Rom. 4:19; 6:19; 8:3; 14:1; 15:1; 1 Cor. 1:25; 4:10; 2 Cor. 11:29).

The second word translated sick is even more definitive (cf. Heb. 12:3).

Now, we have a context of suffering, followed by a context of possible sin and a promise of healing. Does that sound more like physical ailment or spiritual weakness?

So, we may have cause to mock the callous instruction to “go pray” when someone is calling on us in weakness. Come alongside and pray for them.

You are weak, call on someone who is strong. Consider the qualifications of an elder. There is no medical training required but spiritual strength is.

Now, here you are calling on help in your weakness. Not only with this restore you in your weakness but sins will be forgiven. Not because a holy man prayed for your sins to be forgiven but this is the very path to forgiveness. You are just asking others to come alongside you in that process.

What about the anointing with oil?

This seems to be much like washing one’s feet (cf. Lk. 7:46; Psa. 23:5).

A man beat down and crushed by persecution and rejection needs prayers, and he needs refreshing from people who love him.

Admitting our sins and praying for each other protects us from sin (Jas. 5:16).

Sin loves secrecy.

Someone who lives life like this takes away the power of gossips and backbiters.

If someone says to me, do you know what so and so said about you, I have no cause for fear if I freely admit my sins.

But if I am scared of admitting my sins, then sins has a fertile place to multiply.

Elijah was a man like us (Jas. 5:17-18).

We can look at Elijah’s life and find many examples of him suffering and being discouraged underneath that suffering.

But when he prayed that God would send refreshing rain to the earth, God listened.

How many examples of prayers for God healing sickness could be referenced here but instead, the prayer for rain is referenced.

Turning a Sinner

This whole letter is about turning back those who are straying (Jas. 5:19).

When you accomplish this, the benefits are enormous (Jas. 5:20).

Notice the point of the referent passage (Prov. 10:11-12).

James has been showing throughout this letter that sin leads to more and greater sin.

Pay attention. Stick together. Stay on top of it or it will own you.

Conclusion

All of this points to a truth taught throughout the book.

To gain victory you are going to need learn to draw nearer to God and to draw nearer to His people.

If you do not, then you will do the Devil’s work for him.

If you do, he cannot win.