LET HIM PRAY

Is anyone among you suffering?  We all suffer in some ways as we travel through this journey called life.  In the book of James the readers of the first century were suffering various kinds of trials.  They were apparently suffering because of their faith.  James would tell them, and us, that the testing of our faith will produce patience.

In chapter 5 James makes the statement that if you are suffering, pray. Prayer is the emphasis of James' conclusion to this powerful treatise, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Seven times in these last verses the words pray, prayer, and prayed are found. 

James 5:14 is a much debated verse which generates several ideas; some are accurate, and some are not.  "Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."  My opinion is that James is directing those who are “sick,” meaning weakened by their suffering, to call for the elders of the church for strength, support, and prayer. The Greek word for sick here means to be weak or lack strength.  It is translated as weak and as sick in the NT. Because of suffering some had become discouraged and weak and were instructed to call the elders of the church for encouragement. 

The elders were to pray and anoint with oil.  This could mean to literally “rub him with oil”: Oil was a form of medicine used in the NT days.  Remember how the Good Samaritan poured oil and wine on the wounds of the roadside victim.  Remember also that this was in the age of miracles and special gifts.  In Mark 6:13 “Jesus sent out the twelve and they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.”  I suspect most of the church elders in the time James was writing had special healing powers, and this may be part of what he is saying in this verse.  However, I think the verse best fits the context when we see it as figurative language.  James is telling those who are weary from suffering to call the church elders who are to come and encourage, comfort, and strengthen the weakened brother or sister.

Remember the context of this section is prayer.  It is prayer that is being emphasized in this section of Scripture.  "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."  This does not reflect physical healing but spiritual restoration. 

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed." This is a very powerful statement about prayer.  As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to pray for one another.  Especially, when a brother is discouraged or down with his direction in life, we are to pray that he might be restored.  We are to pray for one another.  So if you are suffering from the suppression of sin, pray.   If your weakness has led to sin, then confess your sins and let the church pray for you.  If you are so weak and discouraged because of your suffering, come and let the elders of the church pray for you that you might be uplifted and restored.  May God bless each of us as we try to develop our prayer lives and draw closer to Him!