Power of Prayer - James 5:13-20

In one paragraph

This message wrapped up the congregation's study of the book of James, focusing on the final chapter's teaching about prayer. The preacher worked through what prayer actually is, why it matters in suffering, sickness, and happiness, and how it connects directly to the restoration of people who have wandered from the faith. It was a practical and personal close to a series that had clearly meant a...

Read together

1. Psalm 66 quoted to open worship: 'Shout joyful praises to God all the years. Sing about the glory of his name.'
2. Ephesians 2:10 reminder that believers are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works prepared in advance
3. James 3:17 personal favorite verse cited: wisdom from God is pure, peace loving, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, shows no favoritism, always sincere
4. James 5:13-20 main passage for the evening: prayer in suffering, happiness, and sickness; Elijah example; restoring wandering believers
5. Hebrews 4:16 cited to encourage boldness in prayer: 'come boldly before the throne of our gracious God and there we'll receive his mercy and find grace to help us when we need it most'
6. 1 John 1:9 cited under confession: 'if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all wickedness'
7. Psalm 100:4-5 cited under thanksgiving: 'enter his gates with thanksgiving... for the Lord is good, and his unfailing love continues forever'
8. Isaiah 30:19 cited under supplication: God will be gracious if you ask for help, he will surely respond to the sound of your cries
9. Ephesians 6:18 cited as a simple guide to prayer: 'pray in the spirit at all times and in every occasion'
10. John 6:44 Jesus said no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them, used to emphasize prayer in restoring wandering believers
11. Colossians 3:16 closing prayer drew on this verse: that scripture would fill our lives so we can lovingly teach and counsel each other

Talk about it

1. The preacher described prayer as 'switching our wishes or ideas for God's wishes as He imparts faith.' What does it look like in your own life to exchange your desires for God's in prayer, and where do you find that most difficult?
2. The message reflected on the call to pray over the sick, and shared that whether people were healed or not, those times of prayer were 'mutually edifying.' Can you think of a time when praying with or for someone built your own faith, even when the outcome was not what you hoped for?
3. The preacher said, 'Don't underestimate the power of your prayers,' and admitted his own prayer life could do better. What gets in the way of your prayer life, and what has helped you stay consistent in prayer?
4. James closes with the image of someone wandering from the truth being brought back, and the message connected this directly to prayer, pointing to John 6:44 and the role of the Holy Spirit in drawing people. Who in your life are you praying for in this way, and how does leaning on God's work rather than your own effort change how you approach those relationships?
5. The ACTS model was offered as a guide, not a formula, and the preacher was clear there are no special words required for prayer. How do you personally tend to approach prayer, and is there a part of that rhythm, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, or supplication, that you find yourself skipping over?