There are Christian practices of prayer that don’t come from the Bible. Take for example the idea of folding our hands, closing our eyes, and bowing our heads. This is the most recognized posture of Christian prayer. The Bible talks about lifting our hands. It talks about bowing our knees. But the common posture of prayer many of us use today, is not specifically mentioned in the Bible.
When someone is sick, a common practice in the church is to put them on a prayer list. We get as many people as we can to pray for the sick person. We send word out to more and more people. We hold the belief that if enough people bend God’s ear, he will be more inclined to move on their behalf. Again, the practice of a “prayer chain” is not specifically mentioned in the Bible.
What we have is what James says:
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. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:14–15 (ESV)
There are three steps James gives when someone is sick and in need of healing.
Ask
The first step is to call the elders of the church for prayer. Ask for prayer! There are many believers who silently suffer and never ask for prayer. There are many different reasons they don’t ask.
- They are ashamed or embarrassed.
- They don’t want to bother anyone or put anyone out of their way.
- They are too prideful to admit they need help.
- They don’t know to ask for prayer.
Pray with Someone
I have often said I would rather have one person pray with me than a thousand people pray for me. James says, let the elders pray over the person who needs healing. It is about praying with the person in need of healing. This is different than praying for someone.
It is the polite thing to tell a sick person they are in our thoughts and prayers. It is a nice sentiment. We comment on Facebook: “I’m sending prayers your way.” The truth is that while it is a nice sentiment, it is not meaningful. It’s not meaningful for the sick person. It’s not meaningful towards their healing. The only value is we might feel better about ourselves for saying something nice.
Think about when you pray. There is a connection with God that is happening. But what is missing from that connection is the other person. When you pray with someone, it is taking God by one hand and the other person with your other hand. You are connecting the other person with the source of their healing. You serve as a bridge to God for that sick person.
Anoint with Oil
This was olive oil. It was used in the times of James for many things. One of the uses was medicinal. It might be easy to think there is something magical about the oil. But focusing on the oil misses the point. In many ways what James is saying to the sick person is pray and take your medicine. The power of healing is found in prayer. God often answers prayer through medicine and science.
Healing the Soul to Heal the Body
James is prescribing holistic treatment. There is care for the soul and body taking place. This is further explained in the next verse:
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16 (ESV)
Physical illness is a manifestation of a spiritual condition. If there were no sin, there would be no sickness. It is not to say that an illness is the result of “a sin.” It is not God striking you with a plague because you messed up. But at its heart, illness came about because sin exists in this world and dwells in our hearts.
Our healing starts with coming humbly before God together. The above verse says the prayer of a righteous person has great power, but we must recognize that not one of us is righteous. There is only one righteous, and that is Jesus. It is his shed blood that availeth much. My righteousness is found in him alone. God does not heal me on the basis of my appeal that I have been a good person and I deserve his healing. He does not heal me because I pray the “right way.” My healing is in Jesus. I will one day lose everything in this world – my health, my wealth, and my life. But the one thing that can never be taken away is Jesus. If my healing does not come in this life, it will come in the eternal life that Jesus has won for all believers.
Questions for Reflection
- What are some common practices in the church that are not specifically mentioned in the Bible?
- What keeps you from asking others to pray with you?
- Do you agree that physical ailments are the result of a Spiritual condition?
- Share your comments
Betty says
There is power in prayer!!! Last year at this time my husband had 90% of his tongue removed due to oral cancer( he never smoked or chewed tobacco ) it is through God’s grace and the power of prayer that he is still with me today. I believe so strongly in that there is power in prayer.
TB says
One of the most balanced teachings on this passage I have heard. Thank you~
Peggy colturi says
How can a paranoid schizophrenic ask for gods healing. ? He has not the capacity to reflect or ask.
Angela says
Maybe they can’t ask for healing for themselves, but we can pray with them and ask God for healing. Sometimes, I think that prayer doesn’t change God or rather cause him to make change, but rather changes us. Maybe we have a better understanding, acceptance or courage to cause change? In the end, it is all good or it is not the end.
Phil Ressler says
He may not be able to ask, but that doesn’t stop us from praying. We are called to make intercession for everyone regardless if they ask for it or not. If someone is not receptive of our prayers and we can’t pray with them, we can always pray for them. The article doesn’t say to not pray for someone. It is encouragement to pray with someone if the opportunity presents itself.
Kathie Byrd says
I so appreciate being asked to think beyond ourselves and to fill Jesus into all the places we want to be. Your thoughts challenge me to move beyond my limited scope and stretch to reach new understandings. This piece on prayer does just that. Thank you
Sam Britton says
Wow! Thank you, Pastor. A very timely and meaningful devotion in my life and the life of wife. God bless you.
Ann R says
Could there be a connection of the oil used along prayers for healing and Christ’s use of the clay on the blind man’s eyes. Is something tangible needed at times?
Julie says
So we should not have prayer chains or pray for others if we are not physically present with them? All prayer is good.