DEVOTION – DAY 446

James 5:14-15 “Praying For The Sick”

James 5:14-15 “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. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

These verses have sometimes been used by some people to think that God would heal them of all diseases so long as their church leaders would pray for them. If that was the case, there would be no need for doctors or hospitals. The word “sick” could mean either some physical ailment, or spiritual weakness. So, what the apostle James was telling us in these verses is that whether there is a physical ailment or if someone had been spiritually weak or fallen away from the Lord, they must call upon the leaders of the church for help. The leaders would then anoint that person with oil.

In ancient times, oil was also used for medicinal purposes. It could also be used for spiritual purposes to symbolically mark that person as being set apart for the Lord. What is more important is that the anointing of oil was accompanied by the prayer of the church leaders. So that if that person had been spiritually weak, their faith in the Lord would be strengthened. And as they confess and repent of their sins, they will know that God will forgive those who are humble and contrite before them. If it is God’s plan to heal them physically, then, healing would also take place. 

We can learn that Christians should never face their own spiritual or physical health battles alone and in silence. They are to contact their church leaders and pastors to ask them to pray for them. It also means that church leaders and pastors should always be ready and willing to pray for those under their spiritual care. Their prayers are a source of comfort and assurance for those who are unwell and that they are not facing this crisis alone. God is present and God hears and answers prayers.

A man was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. He did not receive the news well and asked God, “Why me?” “What have I done to deserve this?’ He was at first angry, bitter and afraid. A church leader heard of his condition and visited him in hospital. He let this man work out all his frustrations and fears about his condition. The church leader knew this man needed to process and come to an acceptance of his medical condition. Then, he offered to pray for the patient, and ask God for His forgiveness, and to help this person turn back to God. This man found peace in his heart. He also learnt to accept his condition. He chose to live his remaining days making peace with those around him.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, You are merciful and kind. You are gracious and You hear our prayers. We humbly ask that you restore those who are broken either spiritually or physically in our midst for your glory. We pray this in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Question

  1. Are you facing a spiritual or physical ailment? 
  2. Will you ask your church leader to pray for you?
  3. Will you also be active to pray for those you know who covet your prayers?
  4. How has God healed you of a past spiritual or physical ailment? Share.