The far-reaching power of prayer – Leawood – Church of the Resurrection

Daily Scripture

THURSDAY 9.29.22 James 5:12-15

12 Most important, my brothers and sisters, never make a solemn pledge—neither by heaven nor earth, nor by anything else. Instead, speak with a simple “Yes” or “No,” or else you may fall under judgment.

13 If any of you are suffering, they should pray. If any of you are happy, they should sing. 14 If any of you are sick, they should call for the elders of the church, and the elders should pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Prayer that comes from faith will heal the sick, for the Lord will restore them to health. And if they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

Reflection Questions

This section of James offers great hope, and yet poses questions hard to understand. That may be why James led with an echo of Jesus’ teaching. “James, once more following the teaching of his older brother (Matthew 5:34–37), insists that saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’ is quite enough. Anything more risks invoking not divine support, but divine judgment.” * James knew it is a privilege to pray for one another, yet also knew that God, not us, decides what the specific results of the prayers will be.

• Phillip Yancey has long studied prayer. “I believe in prayer and its power to change both people and events…. I rejoice over reports of miraculous healings, but I also remember with a pang the file drawer in my office bulging with stories of those who have not been healed.” Later, “[Jesus] brought a young girl back to life, but how many others died in Israel that day?” ** In view of the full Biblical record and real-life reflection, what do you believe James 5:15 did and didn’t promise?
• From his own prayerful thinking, Yancey offered a few important questions: “Am I expecting a miracle as an entitlement?… Do I wrongly blame God for causing the suffering?… Am I prepared for the possibility that physical healing may not take place?” ** James spoke of forgiveness and songs of joy along with physical illness and healing. Are you willing to look at the wide spectrum of ways God acts in our lives, rather than demanding just one outcome?

Prayer

Lord God, you are the God of creation and of restoration, the God who desires inner and outer wellness and wholeness. I trust you to work for good in all those ways for me and those I love. Amen.

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* Wright, N. T., Early Christian Letters for Everyone (The New Testament for Everyone) (p. 39). Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Kindle Edition.
** Philip Yancey, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006, pp. 220, 258. (For in-depth study of the power and limits of prayer, chapter 16-19 of Yancey’s book are an excellent resource.)

*** Ibid., pp. 258-264.

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