We have been studying the book of James in our Small group.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says this about the author –
“It seems clear therefore that the author is James, the half-brother of the Lord......
Though James was reared in the same home with the Lord Jesus, he apparently did not become a believer until after Christ’s resurrection.”
The purpose of this letter clearly is to call the early Christians to move towards maturity and holiness in their lives...
The commentary mentioned above also states – “He dealt with every area of a Christian’s life:
what he is, what he does, what he says, what he feels, what he has.”
This has been a great study ; I – and others - have had many “light-bulb” moments!
I encourage you to find an opportunity to study this letter.
In Chapter 5 verses 13-20 James emphasizes prayer – and in verse 16 states that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective!
WOW!
The prayer of a righteous man – or woman – is powerful and effective!
Prayer is our open line of communication to God – Who is always listening; moving; working; meeting needs; changing hearts; empowering believers.
If one is in trouble, has a need, is sick – suffering in any way – prayer is the greatest thing we can do for that person – or ourselves. That means that we have to be open and sensitive to people, and their needs; we have to be willing to spend time with God –interceding for them;
and we have to be willing to participate in restoring people to a faith in Christ.
Sounds like a lot of “work” doesn’t it? Sounds almost ominous, aye?
But you know what? He will enable us!
Praise His Name!
James 5: 13-14
Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
· It is OK to pray for yourself!
[I have talked with people who think it is selfish to pray for themselves!]
· Praise God with your words and in song!
· Ask someone to pray with you – call the elders of the church to come and pray with you and anoint you with oil!
Dear ones,
God is not looking for long, grammatically correct prayers.
He wants to hear your heart;
He wants to hear your praises;
He wants to hear your intercession –
in simple everyday English!
[reminder – verse 17 says Elijah was a man just like us]
Imagine – just like us!
Pour your heart out to Him, friend!
The next time you are with someone who is hurting –
pray with them, right then and there!
Our Lord is waiting to hear your heart’s cry!
Dear Father,
Take away our “shyness”;
our timidity;
our reluctance –
Open us up to speak with You in whatever way You lead us to!
May we be Your instruments of prayer in this fallen world!
In Jesus name, Amen.
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says this about the author –
“It seems clear therefore that the author is James, the half-brother of the Lord......
Though James was reared in the same home with the Lord Jesus, he apparently did not become a believer until after Christ’s resurrection.”
The purpose of this letter clearly is to call the early Christians to move towards maturity and holiness in their lives...
The commentary mentioned above also states – “He dealt with every area of a Christian’s life:
what he is, what he does, what he says, what he feels, what he has.”
This has been a great study ; I – and others - have had many “light-bulb” moments!
I encourage you to find an opportunity to study this letter.
In Chapter 5 verses 13-20 James emphasizes prayer – and in verse 16 states that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective!
WOW!
The prayer of a righteous man – or woman – is powerful and effective!
Prayer is our open line of communication to God – Who is always listening; moving; working; meeting needs; changing hearts; empowering believers.
If one is in trouble, has a need, is sick – suffering in any way – prayer is the greatest thing we can do for that person – or ourselves. That means that we have to be open and sensitive to people, and their needs; we have to be willing to spend time with God –interceding for them;
and we have to be willing to participate in restoring people to a faith in Christ.
Sounds like a lot of “work” doesn’t it? Sounds almost ominous, aye?
But you know what? He will enable us!
Praise His Name!
James 5: 13-14
Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
· It is OK to pray for yourself!
[I have talked with people who think it is selfish to pray for themselves!]
· Praise God with your words and in song!
· Ask someone to pray with you – call the elders of the church to come and pray with you and anoint you with oil!
Dear ones,
God is not looking for long, grammatically correct prayers.
He wants to hear your heart;
He wants to hear your praises;
He wants to hear your intercession –
in simple everyday English!
[reminder – verse 17 says Elijah was a man just like us]
Imagine – just like us!
Pour your heart out to Him, friend!
The next time you are with someone who is hurting –
pray with them, right then and there!
Our Lord is waiting to hear your heart’s cry!
Dear Father,
Take away our “shyness”;
our timidity;
our reluctance –
Open us up to speak with You in whatever way You lead us to!
May we be Your instruments of prayer in this fallen world!
In Jesus name, Amen.
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
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