Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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FAITH THAT LEADS TO HEALING
James 5:13-16
. v16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”

The theme of the passage is ‘Prayer in Faith’. Here James is trying to tell us when we should pray, how should we pray and who should pray. In this world, when people are happy, they celebrate but when they are sad, they can’t celebrate. In Christ, Christians sing praise when they are happy, pray for comfort when they are sad, pray for strength and restoration when they are sick. They do this because they know prayer has power. In this journey of faith, we must understand that God’s hand is in our life as a favor. Psalms 139:7 says, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?”. Jesus said, in this world you will have troubles but take heart! I have overcome the world.
 

  1. Focus on God (Vs 13-14)
Look up to God for help. When you are suffering pray to Him and when you are happy sing praises to Him. Psalms 121:1-2 says, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth”. When things go bad and suffering increases, many people get discouraged because they are fixated on the problem. When you pray your focus changes from problem to God. But when you pray in faith not only look for God to help but believe that God has used these very troubles to define your purpose in life.
 
  1. Healing through faith (Vs 15-16)
God answers prayer in healing, every healing is God’s work, whether man recognizes it or not. Ask in faith, believing you are healed. Jesus, son of man healed many in his healing ministry. God heals the soul. We need to know that only God can forgive sins. Healing of the soul is much more significant than healing of the body. 2Cor 4:16 says, “Therefore do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day”. Pray earnestly and persistent. Pray like Elijah. When we pray like that God invites us to be a part of his plan and purpose, thus our relationship gets deeper with God. God wants a journey of faith, walk with us, looking at him and trusting him.
 
  • PRAYER
    Dear Lord, we pray for healing and comfort for all who are in pain especially during this pandemic. May you continue to give strength to keep going and build the bridge of faith to overcome evil and welcome good. In Jesus name, Amen!!!

    THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
    The Christian life is one of prayer when happy, when sad and when in need. St. Paul says, “Pray always” (1Thes 2:16-18)

Dr. Julie Alex
Salem MTC, NY

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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