Tim Hawley: Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick?
You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. James five thirteen through 16. Prayer isn't just spiritual background noise.
It's power. It's access. It's movement. It's our direct line to God where we can express our hearts, our struggles, our joys, and our needs. In this passage, James encourages us to pray in every circumstance whether we're suffering, rejoicing, or in need of healing.
Prayer is connection. It's fuel. It changes things. But more than that, it changes us. It deepens our relationship with God, aligns our hearts with his will, and brings healing to areas of our lives that need restoration.
James doesn't offer prayer as a last resort. He puts it in front and center. Whether you're in pain, full of joy, or standing in desperate need of healing. Take a moment to think about where you are today. Are you holding stress, discouragement, or confusion?
Or maybe you're in a season of joy where life feels full and hopeful. Either way, James gives us the same direction. Bring it to God. Take a deep breath and as you exhale, bring your thoughts, your emotions, your needs to God, aloud or silently. You don't need the perfect words.
You just need an honest part. Let him meet you where you are. So here's your challenge this week. Start your day with a simple, God, I'm here. End it with a whispered, thank you.
And in the middle, stay in conversation. Don't wait until you're desperate. Let prayer become your rhythm, not just your rescue plan. And may you discover the God who hears, still hears, still restores, still moves. Keep praying, keep trusting.
You never know what your heavenly father is about to do next.