#21 The power of prayer

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The Power of Prayer

James 5:13-20

Messenger: Pastor M


13Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14Is 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. 15And 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. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.


Opening thoughts and questions:

  • James wants to convince us that there is power in prayer

  • How do you respond to the trials, temptations, and joys in life?

  • Pray can change your life, the world, and anything.


Lesson 1: Prayer is the right response to any situation in your life

  • Prayer is always the right response to any challenges in life

  • Ephesians 6:18a - "and pray in Spirit in all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."

  • Pray without ceasing – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

  • Suffering gets inside of us and prayer is the right response


Lesson 2: When sick, believe in the healing power of God and rest in the sovereign will of God

  • v.14-15 - pray over them; offered in faith will make the sick people well

  • Mark 6:13 - anointed many sick people with oil and healed them

  • Healing is not determined by the strength of your faith but the object (Jesus) of your faith

  • Mark 9:23 - “‘If you can’?” asked Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

  • We pray that God will heal us in the time and manner that he planned.

  • God does not always heal our physical illnesses.

  • Peter said, “Lord take this away.” The Lord says, “no.” (2 Corinthians 12) - my grace is sufficient for you

  • Being sick is humbling and affords you to be vulnerable and examine yourself spiritually. Sickness is not always a result of sin but it makes you humble and more dependent on the Lord.


Lesson 3: God delights to answer the fervent prayers of his children

  • The prayer of the righteous person (i.e., living and walking in the grace of God) 

  • God is ready to answer the prayers of his children - He is our Father


Lesson 4: With much prayer, humbly seek out and restore wandering believers

  • V.19 - if anyone (family member, fellow believer, etc) wanders, pray for them

  • When Jesus was suffering, joyful - he prayed. Every time he prayed, he prayed through the will of the Father.

  • When Jesus was on the cross, he prayed, “Father forgive them…” Luke 23:34

  • Jesus is praying for you now!

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