Introduction:
1. God is interested in us praying to Him.
2. Prayer is a regular part of the Christian’s life.
3. James 5:13-18 tells us who to pray for and why
I. Pray for the afflicted/suffering (verse 13).
A. Those who are suffering ill treatment.
B. Suffering comes from temptation (Ja. 1:13-15) and trials (Ja. 1:2-4)
C. We have been encouraged to pray (Mt. 26:36-39; Lk. 18:1; Ps. 18:6).
D. We have opportunity (Heb. 4:15, 16). We have a God (Ps. 46:1: 2 Cor. 1:3, 4; 1 Pet. 5:7; Ps. 56:8).
II. Pray in times of sickness (verses 14, 15).
A. Sickness-without strength. Can be used for either physical sickness or spiritual sickness. The spiritual warrior becomes discouraged, depressed, defeated and hits the bottom.
B. We need each other (1 Thes. 5:14). We are not by ourselves (Rom. 14:7).
C. The elders are the spiritual leaders (Heb. 13; 1 Pet. 5:1-5; Acts 20:28).
III. Pray in times of sin/spiritual distress/transgression.
A. Have you ever sinned? (1 Jn. 3:4).
B. Our responsibility is to confess our sins (1 Jn. 1:8. 9; Prov. 28:13). Note: The confession is to be as public as the sin.
C. Prayer is then offered up on the individual’s behalf.
D. The result is God’s forgiveness (Acts 8:22; Ps. 130:4).
IV. Pray because prayer has great power (verse 16).
A. The effectual-continual. It has much power.
B. Is to be offered by the right person-righteous.
C. The individual is to have the right spirit.
D. It will yield the right results (1 Jn. 3:22; 1 Peter 3:12).
E. Consider the story of Elijah.
Conclusion:
1. Pray at all times for all things, knowing the power of the Lord.
Entered on 12/13/2009
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