Scripture Reading: James 5:13-15
Key Scripture: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him…” James 5:14 (KJV)
Devotional Reading
Prayer is not merely a religious exercise. Prayer creates an atmosphere for God’s intervention.
James 5:13-15 gives us a remarkable picture of the place and power of prayer in the life of God’s people. The afflicted are told to pray. The sick are told to call for the elders, and the elders are instructed to pray over them. The prayer of faith brings divine intervention.
This reveals that a praying church is a spiritually powerful church. Similarly, a praying man is a spiritually powerful man
When a church develops a deep atmosphere of prayer, believers are not left to face their difficulties alone. They have brothers and sisters who can create the atmosphere for God’s intervention.
The early church demonstrated this repeatedly.
Prayer helped to create the spiritual environment in which miraculous works of God flourished.
The church does not need merely more activity. The church needs the power that comes from people who know how to pray.
When God’s people pray, the afflicted can find help, the sick can receive ministry, the discouraged can be strengthened and difficult situations can encounter divine intervention.
Let us therefore recover the atmosphere of prayer.
Personal Reflection
- What kind of spiritual atmosphere am I helping to create in my home and church through my prayer life?
Life Application
- Faith Confession: “I am a person of prayer. God’s power works through His praying people. I will contribute my prayers to the spiritual strength of my church and my family”
- Today, deliberately pray for someone who is facing a difficult situation rather than merely discussing their problem.
Prayer Points
- Father, restore a strong atmosphere of prayer among us. Teach me to stand in prayer for those who need divine intervention.
- Make our churches places where people encounter Your power. Let the gifts of healing and the working of miracles flourish among Your people.