Daily Devotional – October 23-29
October 23 – Meditating on God’s Word
This devotional series offers less content but more opportunity for you to reflect, contemplate, and pray through the short Scriptures we offer. It is an opportunity to help us slow down and enjoy time in the presence of God. It is an exercise in listening with the intent of hearing from God through His Word and by His Spirit. Here is the passage for the week:
James 5:13-16. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 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. 15 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. 16 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.
Prayer: “Father, thank You for the invitation to come to You in prayer. Thank You that You’re always willing to hear from us. We can ask for help when we’re in trouble, and we can declare our praise to you. We can call on the leaders of the church to pray over us. When faith is deployed, You promise to raise us up. If sin is the cause of our sickness, it will be forgiven. There is tremendous power in confessing our sins and praying for each other for our total spiritual healing. You promise that if we stand righteous before You that our prayers are powerful and effective. Help us to fully access Your power through prayer. Amen.”
October 24 – Meditating on God’s Word
James 5:13, Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
Write out the Scripture. (As it is or in your own words.)
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.”
Observe what it is saying. (Answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions)
As James gives us instruction on prayer, he states the truth very simply. If you’re in need, then ask God for help. We don’t have to wait until we have exhausted all other options. We should put God on the case from the beginning when trouble arises. When days are going well and our hearts are filled with joy, then make sure we don’t forget to sing God’s praises and offer Him thanksgiving for the many blessings of life.
Relate it to your life. (Connect how this Scripture speaks into your life today.)
Trouble reminds me to ask God for help. Good days remind me to offer praise to God.
Do something. (Pray it. Live it. Act on it.)
“Father, I always have reason to pray. Today, I ask for the help of heaven for these challenges: ________________. I also bring You praise for the joy in my heart. Specifically, I give you thanks for these blessings: ___________________. Amen.”
October 25 – Meditating on God’s Word
James 5:14, 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.
Write out the Scripture.
“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.”
Observe what it is saying.
James gives instructions to the church of how we are to pray for one another. Those who are sick are to take the initiative to reach out to church leadership in asking for healing prayers. This puts the responsibility on the person needing healing for two reasons. First, the church leadership cannot know unless they are told. Secondly, it’s an act of faith to humbly ask others to seek God on our behalf. The leaders are to respond with anointing oil and prayers for healing.
Relate it to your life.
The church is to be a praying community.
Do something.
“Father, thank you for the simplicity of your teaching on prayer. Help us to do it! Amen.”
October 26 – Meditating on God’s Word
James 5:15, 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.
Write out the 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.”
Observe what it is saying.
So, when leaders pray with faith, we should expect God’s answers to come. This verse doesn’t address our experience when we don’t get healing the way we expect. We know that physical healing also comes through the modern marvel of medicine which is from God as well. The greatest healings are spiritual and eternal as shown, if they’ve sinned, they’ll be forgiven.
Relate it to your life.
I will pray in faith for healing for others and trust God with the results.
Do something.
“Father, thank You for caring so much to bring about healing for our bodies and souls. Amen.”
October 27 – Meditating on God’s Word
James 5:16, Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…
Write out the Scripture.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
Observe what it is saying.
James gives a summary statement of what he has just said. However, he also adds a new twist to being forgiven and healed. He tells us to confess our sins to each other. He adds a layer of spiritual accountability where most people are not willing to go. In doing so, it would be wise to find someone you can trust who will correctly receive your humble confession. James also broadens who can pray for healing to “each other.” All are included in praying healing prayers.
Relate it to your life.
The church’s loving environment is where we’re free to confess and pray for each other.
Do something.
“Father, help us to be such a church that offers healing to the sinner and the sick. Amen.”
October 28 – Meditating on God’s Word
James 5:16, The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Write out the Scripture.
“…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Observe what it is saying.
James gives all believers an encouraging promise on effective praying. We might wonder who a righteous person is. Romans 3:22-23 clearly tells us, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” To become righteous isn’t effort or doing good on our part, but it’s a free gift to be believed and received. When we trust that Christ’s righteousness becomes our righteousness, then we can enjoy a powerful prayer life.
Relate it to your life.
I can pray with confidence because Christ’s righteousness is my righteousness.
Do something.
“Father, I believe that I am righteous because of what Jesus has done on my behalf. I trust Your promise that Christ’s righteousness in me leads to powerful and effective praying. Amen.”