Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
COMPASSIONATE LOVE AND HEALING
“The
Prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” James 5:16
Wholesomeness
or well-being is of paramount importance in the minds of people. Illness
leading to weakness or immobility is dreaded by everyone whether believer or
non-believer. When sick, our thoughts are directed towards one goal i.e., get
help from any one or any source including, medicine, mediums, miracles or
self-help. When everything fails we turn to God, our last resort!
James
5:13-18 is a compendium on faith and healing. This perhaps is the only passage
in the entire New Testament that deals with healing involving the Faith
Community. Prayer is to be offered in all circumstances, good times and bad
times said the Apostle Paul, “Pray at all times” (Ephesians 6:18). James
exhorted the believers to pray when suffering; sing when cheerful; pray when
illness strikes (James 5:13-14). The believer is to take the initiative to pray
or sing. When he is sick he is commanded not pray for himself, but to summon
the elders of the church who would pray over him and anoint him with oil, as a
prelude to prayer for healing. Healing prayer is the responsibility of the
faith community and conducted by the elders as representatives of the local
church. This should be a model for all of us when we confront sickness in our
own community. It is not binding on the elders unless the sick person summons
them.
From
James’ teaching on healing prayer we are not to assume that healing results
from anointing or the prayers of the elders. The elders have to seek the
will of God before they venture into the act of prayer for healing. God will
not heal all the sicknesses for which we pray, but healing takes place when we
diligently seek His will in each situation, acknowledge His sovereignty and
pray in His name. There is a pre-requisite to be met by the “prayer-warriors”
and the one to be healed. They have to confess their sins, one to another
and pray for each other (Jams 5:16). Prayer of a righteous man (forgiven
person) approaching God in faith believing that He is able to heal the sick and
restore him spiritually is the powerful and effective prayer James envisioned.
The result of such prayer is manifold. The sick person is healed, his
sins forgiven and those who prayed for him are forgiven, justified and made
righteous.What is meant by “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man
availeth much?” Matthew Henry said, “The prayer itself must be
fervent … …It must be a pouring out of the heart to God; and it must proceed
from a faith unfeigned, such prayer avails much.” This prayer helps the
one prayed for, and those who prayed for him.
Prayer: Lord, teach us not to
say a prayer, but to pray in prayer.
Thought
for the Day:
“Prayer is the key which opens and shuts heaven” Matthew Henry
Dr.
Mathew T. John, New Jersey Mar Thoma Church, Randolph