The Power of Prayer (Part 1 and 2)

Introduction|

Attention:

How many of you believe in the power of prayer? In my own life, I have witnessed the power of prayer. Right before my wife and I got married, we were looking for a place to live. However, we were having a hard time finding a place that was in a safe location and fit within our price range. We had a lady show us a duplex in a really nice neighborhood and within our price range. However, she had already rented the house out as she was showing us around this duplex. So, we began to pray about a house. God opened the door through one of my wife’s co-workers. When Caden was born, he was very sick. Now, you wouldn’t know it knows. But, we prayed for him, and God healed him.

Need Element:

Prayer can accomplish amazing things! You and I need power and strength to face the problems and trials of life. Prayer provides us with an infinite power source. God’s never to busy to listen to our needs, wants, or questions. As James begins to close his letter, he focuses on the topic of prayer by showing us the power of prayer.

Big Idea:

An authentic believer believes in the power of prayer.

Interrogative:

How does prayer help us in life?

Outline|

Outline|

I. Prayer provides us with the power to endure through suffering (vv. 13a)

Explanation:

James opens this section with: “Is anyone among you suffering, let him pray” (). The idea of “suffering” suggests the concept of trouble or affliction ( and 4:5). To those who are going through seasons of suffering hardship and affection, James reminds them to seek God’s face through prayer.

Illustration:

When I think about praying during times of suffering, my mind goes to the account of first Christian martyr Steven. As he faced intense suffering, he cries out to Christ: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. . . [and] do not hold this sin against them.” What a testimony of praying during times of suffering.

Application:

As I consider this text, it reminds us of two essential principles.

First, suffering ought to drive us to pray about our problems.

As you and I face challenges, we ought to take those issues, troubles, and trials to the Lord in prayer. Pray about your money problems, emotional problems, family problems, job problems, church problems, etc.

Second, suffering ought to drive us to pray about our pains.

You can pray about the pain of your past failures. You can pray about your physical pain. You can pray about the pain of brokenness. You can pray about the pain of losing a loved one. God is always listening to his children! So, pray about both your pains and your problems.

II. Prayer provides us with the power to praise the Lord with cheerfulness (vv. 13b)

Explanation:

Next, James says: “is anyone cheerful, let him sing praise!” The concept of being “merry” suggests showing happiness or courage. In the Book of Acts, Luke uses this word to describe Paul’s advice to the crew and sailors—“be of good cheer” (). This person, according to James, must “sing praise.” The idea of “singing praise” suggests with or without the aid of musical instruments. Often times, we accompany happiness with cheerfulness and singing. However, peace provides cheerfulness, not external circumstances! One of the marks of Christian maturity is the ability to sing during times of suffering. During the seasons of darkness, God gives “songs in the night” ().

Illustration:

A perfect illustration of this is Paul and Silas in the Philippian Jailhouse. The Bible says that they “prayed and sang praises unto God” (). See, prayer and praise are synonyms concepts that complement each other. Prayer produces praise, and praise produces prayer!

Application:

Everyone has a voice of praise. I am reminded of the Casting Crown song, which says:

“And I’ll praise you in this storm, And I will lift my hands That you are who you are No matter where I am And every tear I’ve cried You hold in your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise you in this storm.”

So, I want to encourage you to rest in the peace of God. I also want to help you to find your voice of praise that stems from your position of peace!

Prayer provides us with the power to help us respond to sickness and sin in a biblical manner (vv. 14-16a)

III. Prayer provides us with the power to respond to sickness and sin in a biblical manner (vv. 14-16a)

Explanation:

As James continues his discussion on prayer, He shows us in this section how to act in obedience when faced with sickness and sin. Now, before we dive into the topic praying and healing, I want to preface it with James is not talking about church members or leaders going to the hospital and praying for a fellow believer who is sick. As church members and leaders, we ought to pray for one another at home, at the hospital, at church, etc. James is talking about a particular type of prayer over a sick member who desires and believes that God can heal them from his/her sickness. One of the essential differences is the practice of “anointing them with oil.” Since I’ve been your pastor, I have witnessed this practice done in accordance with God’s Word. During our Fall Revival, Bro. Jennings came forward at the end of the service and asked the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil. This practice was in accordance with the biblical description of this practice. However, I have also seen this practice done in a way that does not follow God’s proscribed method. I have seen people gather at the altar to pray for their sick son (something you should do as a parent). After recognizing the situation, the individual leading the service summoned for the elders to gather and pray for this ladies’ son, anointed a cloth with oil, prayed over the cloth, and told the lady to send this cloth to her son. provides clear direction for those who are sick and have sinned. We have several underlying assumptions that can be made about this individual: 1) he is a born-again believer, and 2) he is a member of the Christian community. God provides clear direction to the church in relation to how to handle those who are sick and sinners

First, prayer helps us respond to sickness in the correct manner (vv. 14-15a).

As we study the scriptures, we come to understand the various causes for sickness.

Some sicknesses are caused by sin (). Paul tells the church at Corinth that some within their midst were sick because they had taken the Lord’s Supper unworthy. He says: “For this cause, many are weak and sickly among you” (). Sins like drunkenness, worry, drugs, premarital sex, etc. Alcoholism can result in liver disease, brain damage, heart disease, cancer, etc. Premarital sex can result in an STD. Drugs can result in infections, kidney and liver damage, etc. However, let’s talk about the acceptable sin of worry. Worry/anxiety can result in heart disease, acid reflux, panic attacks, sleep problems, digestive issues, etc.

Some sicknesses are caused by Satan (). The Bible tells us that Job experienced illness at the hand of Satan. reads: “Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.” Sometimes, sickness is caused by the great destroyer.

Some sicknesses are allowed by God (, , ). Paul, the great missionary and preacher, experienced a sicknesses that was allowed by God in order to magnify the grace and power of God. says: “there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Along with Paul, his partner in ministry experienced sickness. Paul says that he left Timothy “at Miletum sick” (). Sometimes, God allows illness into our lives to help us grow in our faith.

Moreover, we also come to understand the cures for sickness.

Some sicknesses are cured by medicine (). Paul tells Timothy, in , to take medication for his stomach problems. God often uses medicine to cure sicknesses.

Some sicknesses are cured by miracles. In , Naaman is healed by a miracle as he dips in the Jorden river 7 times. In , we find the story of a woman with a blood disease. Sometimes, God uses a miracle to cure someone of his or her sickness.

Some sicknesses are cured by death. A perfect example of this truth is Bro. Jennings. While we morn his departure, we recognize that God healed him of his Parkinsons' disease by calling him home!

Some sicknesses are cured by prayer (). God provides a proper method for praying for the healing of an illness. He gives four clear-cut guidelines for praying with faith for healing.

First, the sick individual must call the elders—“let him call the elders of the Church.”

James says: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church.” I want you to notice that the elders do not make the first move in this specific form of prayer. As I mentioned earlier, this practice is different from a church member or leader praying with someone. This is a particular practice. I also want you to recognize who he calls—the elders of the church. We would say: “let him call the pastors of the church.” In the New Testament, we have three terms that are used interchangeably for the office of pastor. First, we have the term “elder” (presbuteros), which refers to the honor of the office. You also have the term “bishop” or “overseer” (episkopos), which refers to the responsibility of the office. Finally, you have the title “shepherd” (poimen), which describes the care or task of the office. While this is not a sermon on Ecclesiastical Polity (a big term for church governing structure that’s a sermon for another day), I do want to make three quick statements about the use of the term “elders.” First, I want you to notice that the term is plural, not singular! It suggests a multitude of “pastors” which in church. Secondly, I want you to understand that “elders” are those who meet the qualifications of an elder/bishop/shepherd as presented in and . Thirdly, I want to clarify the differences between church offices. Within the New Testament, the terms “elder, bishop/overseer, and shepherd” are leadership roles while the role of “deacon” (diakonos—a term meaning servant or minister) is a serving role. Now, I know what you’re thinking in Free Will Baptist, the deacons often serve as the church leadership, but you are saying something vastly different pastor. An individual can meet both the qualifications of a deacon and an elder! However, biblical roles are different. In , God shows us why the office of deacon was created within the early church. reads: “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve (the elders of the Church at Jerusalem) called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.” The pastor/pastors are to make the ministries of prayer and preaching/teaching the Word their primary task while the primary task of a deacon is serving the people of the church so that the ELDERS can focus his time and energy on praying, preparing, and preaching!

Next, the elders of the church are to pray over the sick member—“and let them pray over him.”

James doesn’t say pray for him! He says that they are to pray over him! Most likely, it also suggests laying a hand upon the sick member!

Thirdly, the elders are to anoint the sick man or woman with oil—“anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.”

The act of anointing with oil sparks a lot of debate among Christians. If you were to read behind men who have committed their lives to study the Word for the purpose of helping others understand the meaning behind the text, you would discover differencing views on the meaning of this practice. Some believe that it has medicinal purposes. Thus, the oil serves as a type of medicine. Others believe that it symbolizes the power and presence of God. At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter because the elders invoke the power of the Lord’s name.

Finally, the elders and the sick man or woman must pray with intensity believing that God has the power to answer their prayer—"And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.”

The emphasis shifts from practice to faith! It’s not the practice that heals the sick! It’s not the oil that heals the sick. It’s God who heals the sick. In the words of Warren Wiersbe, “Faith is only as good as the object.” It’s a prayer prayed under God’s will, work, and way! It’s a prayer of complete trust in God’s power, purpose, and plan!

Secondly, prayer helps us respond to sin in a correct manner (vv. 15b-16a).

First, we need to understand the causes of sin.

You have sins of commission—a sin that is done knowingly like lying, stealing, adultery, etc. However, you also have sins of omission—a sin that takes place because you didn’t do what you know to do (praying, sharing the gospel, etc.). says: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

Secondly, we come to understand the cures for sin ().

The cure for the unbeliever is salvation! Only Jesus can forgive your sins. He loved you so much that he took your sins upon himself and died for you as the sacrifice and payment for sin! This morning, you can have your sins forgiven by committing your life to Christ in the act of faith and repentance! However, the cure for the believer is both prayer and confession. James says: “if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” (James 15b-16a). The Bible tells us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (). Private sins are confessed privately to God (vv. 15b). However, public sins are confessed privately to God and publicly to others (vv. 16a). If you want the victory over that addiction, habit, or habitual sin, James offers some advice to you—find an accountability partner. James says: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed” ().

Application:

You and I can act obediently to sickness and sin. When we recognize God’s power, we are motived to obey Him and His Word. I believe that God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” ().

First, prayer helps us correctly respond to sickness.

It might be confessing your sin! It may mean relying upon the grace and power of God. However, it might mean asking for the elders of the church to pray over you!

Secondly, prayer helps us respond to sin in a correct manner (vv. 15b-16a).

You might need to find a place and ask for God’s forgiveness this morning! You might be experiencing a sickness because of your private or public sin. The correct response to sin is always confessed to God. However, if you are struggling with something, you have tried to overcome that stronghold in your life. It might be time to find an accountability partner! Someone who has access to your computer, phone, etc.

IV. Prayer provides us with the power to accomplish amazing things (vv. 16b-18)

Prayer provides us with the power to accomplish amazing things (vv. 16b-18)

Explanation:

Prayer has great potential! James says: “The effective prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much” (, Greek). You could say it this way: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (, NIV). We notice that you must be a clean person—a righteous person. The word righteous often describes something that is just or upright. Righteousness only comes through the cleansing of Christ’s imputation of righteousness. However, you must also be a committed person (vv. 17-18). The phrase prayed earnestly translates: “he prayed with prayers.” The idea shows us that He prayed with persistence

Illustration:

James provides the perfect biblical example of a man who used prayer to accomplish the impossible. Elijah was just like you and me. However, he prayed with earnestly that it wouldn’t rain. The Bible says that it didn’t rain for three and a half years because of his prayers. However, when he prayed again, the Lord opened the heavens with rain, which alleviated the major drought.

Application:

Do you believe in the power of prayer? If you want to see and accomplish amazing things for God, you must be a person of prayer. You must be a righteous person. Let me ask you a simple question, do you know Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been made righteous through Christ’s sacrifice upon the Cross? You must also be a committed person. Are you persistent in your prayers?

Conclusion/Application|

Reiteration:

James teaches us that prayer is mighty. It has the power to help us endure through times of intense suffering. It also has the potential to help us praise the Lord in every season. Moreover, it also provides physical and spiritual healing from our sicknesses and sins. Finally, it provides us with the ability to see and accomplish amazing things.

Action:

God wants you to be a person of prayer. You can experience the power of prayer in your life! When you are suffering, you can pray unto the Lord, and He will hear you—pains and problems. When you are cheerful, you can praise the Lord through prayer, and He will listen to you. So, I encourage you to lift your voice high and sing loud for Christ. When you are experiencing sicknesses, you can pray! When you have sinned, you can pray. However, when you pray, you are connected to the infinite power of God! As Paul reminds us, He is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” ().

Appeal:

Would you commit yourself to become a person of prayer?