Strength for Today- "The Elders, the People, and the Prayer of Faith" - James 5:13–18.
Prayer is a “communicable tool” we use to reach the heart of God. So, can’t use this text to say there’s just one biblical way to pray for the sick. There is a great deal of flexibility here. First of all, there’s praying for ourself. “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray” - v.13a. We’re not told that only in some “sickness,” that we should pray for ourselves, but in all “afflictions - v. 13b.
In addition, there’s the praying of the elders over an “afflicted person.” (Verses 14-15), this is a case where the person is so weak and bedridden that they can't get out easily to the gathered fellowship. So, what’s the point of “anointing with oil?” anointing with oil simply symbolizes consecration to God, as it often does elsewhere in Scripture (cf. Numbers 3:3; 1 Samuel 10:1; Psalm 89:20).
Therefore, “anointing with oil,” is a “physical act,” “expressing a spiritual truth,” that we belong to God, and have committed ourselves “wholly into His care.” Prayer expresses this point with words; anointing with oil expresses that point in action.
There’ s also the time when we should “pray for each other.” Verse 16 is very general. It could include teams of people praying for others in their presence or at a distance, or a “private prayer” at home, or “for a friend.” But the issue is still based on healing in verse 16.
The example of Elijah is shown to us in verses 17-18. Now what's the point of saying, "Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves"? The point is to block the objection that says he was somehow “extraordinary” and can’t serve as “a model for our praying.”
The point is just the opposite of those who say Elijah and Elisha experienced miracles because they were “unique spokesmen for God.” Elijah was just like you and me. So, we can be encouraged that “our prayers will have great effect, when we trust God, and His power to prevail.
The example of Elijah was brought in by James to encourage all of us who’re referred to in verse 16 to “pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” After he says, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray that ye may be healed,” he says, "The fervent prayer of a righteous man availed much.”
The logic here is that all of us should be praying for each other. Our goal in praying should be to live and pray in a way that would have the same kind of healing effects as Elijah had when he prayed for rain “after a three-year prolong period of no rain.”
This text expresses that there’s no limit to powerful praying for divine healing. It’s an “encourager,” rather than a “discourager” that our prayers are in the same category with a “great miracle worker of the Bible.” So, “the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up...” - v.15.
This verse doesn’t teach that everyone the elders pray for will be healed “physically.” but that through "the prayer s of faith," God’s will is accomplished. So, the gift of faith here assures the elders the healing will be done. “The prayer of faith” is a “divine gift from God,” given for the purpose of, “praying for something extraordinary.” Prayers of faith are “God's special gift of assurance” about what He intends to do – v. 18.
Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD