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THE PRAYER OF FAITH
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28
James 5:15

Psalm 103:1-5

 

“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;

who healeth all thy diseases.”

 

THE PRAYER OF FAITH
 
The “faith” here in James 5:15 refers to the objective faith, the whole body of doctrine given in the Holy Scriptures. It is not the personal or subjective faith of an individual Christian. It does not refer to the Christian’s confidence in his prayer but rather the prayer made according to the principles laid out in the written Word of God.
 
Save the sick: The Greek word for “sick” literally means those weary in soul or discouraged. It implies being worn out or wasting away. In this context, prayer in the faith requires the pastoral care of the elders. They attend to the spiritual need of the “sick.” The intelligent prayer based on the understanding of the will of God, as stated in the Scriptures, will revive the weakened believer. The persecution, discrimination, exploitation, and even threats of execution are overwhelming. The believers need the usual and general prayers of the elders and the blessing of the faith that answer the complicated and challenging questions they have as they suffer. God’s Word encourages them and will bring them back to active worship and service. And “the Lord shall raise him up” (James 5:15). The word “raise” implies a sleeping person who is awakened; or figuratively it implies someone being moved to a state of watchfulness or readiness. The person is made aware and begins to think carefully or pay attention.
 
Forgive the sins: The prayer of faith deals with the struggles of the Christian faith. This prayer will not neglect the righteous commands of the apostles to be patient and not to grudge where many of the believers fall short. If the person commits sins, both omission and commission, he is undoubtedly brought to his knees to seek the repentance of his sins. Read 1 John 1:8-10.
 
So the prayer of faith will not just revive the wearied believer but will restore his joyful relationship with God, for his sins are cleansed. Read what David says in his penitential psalm, Psalm 51:5-8.
 
THOUGHT: Do I confess my sins when I pray?

PRAYER: Father, restore in me that joy of fellowship I once had with Thee.

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