Scripture“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”James 5:16b (NIV)Devotional ReflectionJames declares that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. That statement immediately raises an important question: Who is righteous? Scripture tells us that none of us is righteous on our own. Even our best efforts cannot make us right before a holy God.The good news of...

Scripture“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”James 5:15-16a (NIV)Devotional ReflectionJames not only teaches us to pray; he teaches us how to pray. He speaks of “the prayer offered in faith.” Faith is not ...

Scripture“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”James 5:13-14 (NIV)Devotional ReflectionAs James brings his letter to a close, he reminds believers that what we say to God matters. Prayer, in its simplest form,...