Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:14-16 NKJV
Thank God for a local church that prays for the sick. This short passage in James is the only place in the New Testament specifically aimed at Christians who are sick. This week, I have had a chance to reach out to the elders of my church and ask them to pray for my healing. Thank God for a church where they:
- Believe that God wants us to be healed. (Faith starts when we know the will of God 1 John 5:14-15)
- Know how to pray the prayer of faith. (See Mark 11:24)
- Are willing to give time and energy to praying for one another.
Notice, this benefit is only available to those who have a local church and an eldership on whom they can call in times of need. If you have one, thank God. If you don’t, find one. Have a great Sunday!
pastorvirgil.com 