Praying for Restoration

When reading the pastoral words of James, he gives a diagnosis and cure. The person who is suffering can be cured through the power of prayer. Likewise, if you are cheerful or in good spirits, praise God for his blessings.

It should be noted that the word James uses for suffering is not related to physical illness, but the suffering caused by others who are inflicting the pain. Many people can be confused as the English text then tells the Christian to call the Elders if they are ill. While the word used could mean ill (sick) it is also used fourteen times to refer to emotional or spiritual weakness, according to John MacArthur. 

I love what he says in his commentary on this text "The weak are those who have been defeated in the spiritual battle, who have lost the ability to endure their suffering. They are the fallen spiritual warriors, the exhausted, weary, depressed, defeated Christians. They have tried to draw on God’s power through prayer, but have lost motivation, even falling into sinful attitudes. Having hit bottom, they are not able to pray effectively on their own. In that condition, the spiritually weak need the help of the spiritually strong."1

James connects this weakness to the Spiritual leaders of the church who pray and anoint to give strength. The prayers of a righteous person have the power to make you strong. The story of Elijah has to do with God pouring out his refreshing spirit upon the weary and drought-stricken believer.

MacArthur notes, "But the picture of rain pouring down on parched ground perfectly illustrates God’s outpouring of spiritual blessings on the dry and parched souls of struggling believers. And He does both in response to the righteous prayers of godly people."

We are going to have conflict and suffering at the hands of other people. We will grow weary of dealing with other people who are selfish, hateful, mean, and hurtful. In this time of suffering, we are told to call out for help. 

I know many of you have suffered pain at other people's hands, and you have grown weary from the fight. I pray for God's power and strength in your life. I likewise pray for your struggles physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

February 15 - James 5:13-18
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

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Pastor Charles