Today’s Reading: James 5:13-16

WE SHOULD PRAY.

Do you believe in the power of prayer? Do you believe that spending time praying to God about what is going on in your life CAN make a difference? Do you ever question if it does any good to bring your needs before the Lord? Do you find yourself doubting? Listen to these words of wisdom from James.

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. — James 5:13-16

Through the words of James, we hear that familiar message again – draw near to God and remain in His presence regardless of the circumstances. Then when something tragic happens in our life, such as a cancer diagnosis or hearing a doctor say “There’s nothing more that can be done,” our first response will be to disagree. There is something we can do.

WE CAN PRAY.

Let’s consider again this quote from St. Francis de Sales: “Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear; rather look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto and will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it He will bear you in His arms. Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”

We can be still and know that God is God and we are not. We can trust Him in ANY situation and wait patiently for His response to our prayers. We can count it as joy to face difficult times and submit to God’s will or plan for our lives. We can confess sin and rest peacefully in Christ.

I witnessed two healings in 2010. Mulu from Ethiopia prayed in her native tongue for my mother-in-law to be healed of her 4th stage breast cancer, and Neneye from Columbia prayed for a young boy who was about to be diagnosed with autism. Both prayed with confidence and passion, unlike anything I have ever witnessed before. Both have committed their lives to spending HOURS every day in prayer, soaking in God’s presence and then remaining in His presence as they live out their lives.

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16b). I now know what that means and I long to serve God as faithfully as these women have. I do not want to have to go to God when I’m in trouble or happy or sick – I want to already be there!!!

WE CANNOT GIVE UP PRAYING.

In every situation, I want to rest in God’s presence – looking to Him for what is next, and for the strength to face it and the peace to rest in it. Lord, only you know what is ahead for me today. Father God, I long to already be in your presence drawing from your strength so that you can equip me with everything I need. Remind me today of the power of prayer. Teach me how to be still and know that you are God. Teach me patience to wait for your response and teach me joy in any situation. I submit to your perfect plan. Savior, forgive me for my sins and help me to rest peacefully in your presence.