James 5:13 (ESV)
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.
Reflection
In this section of the book of James, James shares about the power of prayer when we are suffering, sick, confused or have lost our way. This week as we think about prayerfulness, it really isn’t just a powerful gift to talk to God when we are in trouble, it is a powerful gift for the rhythm of our lives in general. Prayerfulness is considering God’s ideal in every situation, every struggle and in every blessing. Prayerfulness is the daily “go to” for every decision and every direction. There will be many changing moments in our lives. Entering them with prayerfulness gives us better assurance that the other side of those moments are God honoring and life-giving.
Jesus has opened up for us this dialogue with God through Him. He wants us to be intimate and close to our Father God. He wants us to seek His wisdom and long for His way. God wants the best for us always. Living prayerfully keeps us in the palm of our loving Father’s hand and in the direction of His will.
Food for Thought
- When was a time that you entered a changing moment with much prayerfulness? What difference did it make?
- What are a couple ways you could grow in your prayerfulness with God?
- How could you help your friends enter key moments in their lives with prayer? Could you bring them to Jesus through prayer in their time of need or decision?
Prayer
Gracious Father, we thank You that you have opened heaven to us and that Your ears are always open to hearing our prayer. Make our heart tender for a deeper and more prayerful journey with You. Speak to our souls as we come to You in prayer in every moment. Amen!
Submitted by Pastor Craig
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 