The Prayer of Faith Will Save the Sick

This meditation is based on a passage for June 1, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: James 5:13-18

Reflection and Question: Prayer is my primary calling and yet it remains a mystery to me. I am skeptical, to be honest, about James’ perspective on prayer in these verses where he claims that prayers will save the sick or that “the prayer of the righteous are powerful and effective.” This suggests a human impact upon God that gives us more power over God than is appropriate. Still, I know God answers prayer. I know from experience that suffering is comforted in prayer. I don’t expect to understand prayer. I just do it. Does your experience in prayer fit with James’ or with my caution? How?

Prayer: Blessed Jesus, You stepped away regularly to pray. Teach us the humility of sincere prayer through the wisdom of James. Whether suffering or cheerful, sick or well, we pray to You. We are not Elijah by a long shot. Still, hear our prayer. Amen.