Step One

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:13-14)

This devotion is based on a sermon I heard delivered this week by Rev. Larry Kreuger, LCMS pastor (retired) who is an area VP for the Texas District.

When we begin a project, an important project, what is usually our first step? Like most people, we probably put a plan together. Somewhere during the course of the project, we may reach a point where we pray a prayer like this: "Lord, I've done all I can think to do, so now it is in your hands."

Pastor Kreuger asked this from this passage titled "The Prayer of Faith:" Before we start the important project, why don't we ask God to guide us and bless us as we start rather than ask Him to bless what we've planned?

James tells us to pray: when we are sick (weak) physically or in terms of faith first and foremost; when we are happy (celebrating a victory); and when we are ill - pray first and then apply medicine ("anointing with oil" in v 14). In verses not mentioned at the start of the devotion, James instructs us to confess our sins early to the Lord (and daily) in order to remove those obstacles that interfere with our prayer and faith life. We pray for God's miraculous power to deliver us from nature such as drought, famine, and storms to war, strife and other violent occurrences. Finally, we pray for those, including ourselves when we wander from faith, that God bring us or others back to Him.

James gives us solid instructions to lead a Christ-like existence when it comes to faith, to pray often to God, as did Christ.

Pray with me: Gracious Father, help me to remember to turn to you at all times, in all places, and in all circumstances. In Christ's name, amen.

For Further Reflection

How is your prayer life?

How could you improve it even if you think it is fairly good?

How does this passage help?