Series: Jesus’ Half Brother- James [#10]
IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
James 5:13-20
Introduction:
It is interesting how people think. They believe that just because they do something good that God owes them; or just because they show up to Church means that God gives them bonus points; or because they pray that God has to do what they ask. Prayer is key to the Christian walk. Unfortunately, most of us lack in the area of prayer greatly. The result of that is a weak Christian life. Look with me at the importance of prayer this morning.
1. When should I pray?
James 5:13
I should pray when I am hurting…
* Emotionally.
What is it that troubles you? We all have things that are difficult for us to deal with. We all get ourselves in situations that are not good. We all have that moment when we just know we are going to go crazy. What should you do? Pray.
Notice what you should do when you are happy- Sing songs of praise.
James 5:14-15
I should pray when I am hurting…
* Physically.
This is one of those passages that has gotten me in trouble with other Baptist preachers. They have nothing wrong with praying for someone; they have nothing wrong with laying hands on someone; but you pull out the anointing oil and you aren’t Baptist anymore. Oil does symbolize the Holy Spirit and there is no special power in the oil; but the Bible says to use oil. It is also important to note that it is the person who is sick to go and ask the elders to anoint them with oil and pray for them.
I have been asked concerning myself and Tharon about this. Surely, we must have sinned and that is why we are sick.
There is a sickness for…
^ Death.
We are all going to die. It will either be because of some sort of accident or because of sickness.
There is a sickness for…
^ Discipline.
Some sickness is caused by sin.
There is a sickness for…
^ The glory of God.
Some sickness is just to strengthen our walk with God. We need to learn to trust God even when we are sick.
James 5:16
I should pray when I am hurting…
* Spiritually.
Let me tell you that this is a scary verse. We are supposed to trust others to a point that we would confess our sins. This doesn’t mean that we should just tell anybody; but when we tell others our failings, it does take a burden off of you.
We are supposed to pray for one another. We are also supposed to go to God in prayer at all times. That includes when we are struggling spiritually.
2. Who can pray?
James 5:17-18
This is the simplest point I might have ever had. Anybody can pray. Now, you do need to understand that God only hears His children’s prayers. The only prayer that God hears from a non-Christian is, “Lord, forgive me for I am a sinner”. For Christians, God hears your prayers.
3. How can I pray effectively?
There are 4 conditions for praying effectively.
James 4:2
You do not have because you do not ask God.
* I must ask.
James 4:3
* I must have the right motive.
James 5:16
* I must have a clean life.
James 1:6
* I must ask in faith.
Conclusion:
James 5:19-20
