James 5:13-16: Is any one 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. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.This morning's reading reminded me that it is always time to pray. When I am troubled, when I am happy, when I am sick, when I need forgiveness, when someone I know is sick, troubled, happy, or in need of forgiveness... It is always a good time to pray.
Over the past several weeks I have realized anew that I am severely limited in my abilities to help the people I love. After bible study last week I felt acutely aware that no matter how well I prepared for the study, or how well I led the discussion, the ladies in my group still have really painful challenges in their lives. In that moment God gently reminded me that I can help them, by asking God to help them. I wouldn't do what I do, or live the life that I live, if I didn't believe with all my heart that God is real and that He answers our prayers. What I am helpless to do for the people I love, God is more than capable of doing. And He loves them more than I do.
Prayer is a subversive act performed in a world that constantly calls faith into question. Philip Yancey, in PRAYER.
1 comment:
Yes, I think it often comes down to belief. If we really believe God is there and willing to respond, prayer becomes a lifeline. If we are struggling with unbelief, prayer becomes an "obstacle" to getting on with the work of "fixing things".
I believe, help my unbelief (Mark 9:24)
I love you!
Chip
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