The Book of James has been called “The Book of Monday-through-Saturday-Religion.” That’s not a bad description, considering how very practical the teachings of its 108 verses are for our lives today. Especially refreshing and informative are its teachings on the subject of prayer. Take time to study the following notes.
James tells us the most fundamental principle of prayer. “Let him ask of God” (1:5). Prayer is not an empty communication into the air; it is speaking directly to the Creator and Sustainer of this universe (who is my Father!). How simple the thought— “You do not have because you do not ask” (4:2). But, prayer is more than just asking for things. It is my greatest opportunity to “draw near to God” (4:8) and to “bless our God” (3:9). Oh, what a blessing!
James tells us when and for what we should pray. At the very beginning of his letter, James encourages us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (1:5). There’s not a single one of us who does not need to beg for “the wisdom that is from above” (3:17). “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray” (5:13). While we might think our suffering is ever-present, it really is not. But God is ever-present, ready to be there with us and to strengthen us. Oh, what a blessing!
James tells us that our prayers should look beyond ourselves. Oh, how the church would benefit tremendously today if we would each practice these four words—“Pray for one another” (5:16). This verse is especially addressing the need to pray for one another’s spiritual condition (“your trespasses”), but two verses earlier also addressed the need to pray for physical conditions and illnesses (“anyone among you is sick,” 5:14). Praying for one another—oh, what a blessing!
James tells us how we should pray. After telling us to ask of God, he says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” (1:6). We need to put our unwavering trust in God. We do this when we “submit to God” (4:7), “humble [ourselves] in the sight of the Lord” (4:10), and pray with a heart that says, “If the Lord wills…” (4:15). If you do not approach the throne of grace in this manner, consider these words, “You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss” (4:3). Asking in faith—oh, what a blessing!
James tells us that prayer is powerful. The prophet Elijah is set forth as a great example of the power of prayer in the life of an ordinary man of God who “prayed earnestly” (5:17). The account of Elijah is used to illustrate this great point: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (5:16). Prayer—oh, what a blessing!