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.
Scripture Insights
For James, the ideal community was one that took God at his word. They put their faith into practice. They resisted temptation, overcame testing, and cared for widows, orphans, and the sick. Their faith showed up in acts of kindness, acts of grace, and acts of love. This was a community driven by what Jesus called the greatest commandments—to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbor. James wraps his letter in the prayer of faith, both in the beginning and the end, suggesting that prayer is the natural expression of faith for any believer—whether ill, in turmoil, or in moments of rejoicing.
We are encouraged to call for the elders to anoint and pray for the sick. The result, according to James 5:15–16, will be healing and forgiveness. These are the ingredients needed in our desperate, dying world. As carriers of the presence of the almighty God, the church should live God’s Word boldly. Praying for the healing of the spiritually and physically sick is an outward expression of an inward trust in God and his power. It is the church living loudly and boldly for Christ.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, give us hearts of compassion for the lost and broken. Give us the courage to live your Word loudly. We are desperate to see our communities, cities, and neighborhoods come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and receive healing.
—Alshandra Visagie
Executive Director, Cactus Nazarene Ministries (Texas)
