Hello Friends! Do you believe in praying? Do you believe that when you pray a change will come? Do you believe that when you join in prayer with others that it can be more powerful than just praying alone? Well James chapter 5 is encouraging us to pray one for the other. Verse 16 niv, of this chapter says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
This scripture is telling us and highlighting a few facts about praying for each other. Firstly, it is letting us know that in order to pray we must first confess our sins. Why should we confess our sins first? Well, simply but most importantly because sin hinders our prayers from being heard and answered. Psalm 66:18 kjv, says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me.” Therefore, if we want our prayers to be effective then we must first get our sin/s out of the way ( and Jesus already died for our sins so all we need to do is just simply open our mouths and ask to be forgiven with a sincere heart). Secondly, the verse says to pray for each other. When we pray for each other with a clear conscience healing takes place. Confessing sins brings healing to the soul. A restoration of love. knowing that someone cares for you to the point of sincerely confessing their sin even to you, as a human, is a powerful and loving act. Love covers a multitude of sins and love works no ill to his neighbor. As a matter of fact, 1 Peter 4:8 amp, says, “Above all, have fervent love for one another and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins (it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others).” When we love unselfishly others can know and feel that love. We now have a safe space to confess. Knowing that no one is looking down on you because of your shortcomings, but instead lifting you up with love in prayer.
This verse of scripture goes on to say that the prayers of a righteous person is powerful and effective. What makes us righteous? The confession of sins through Jesus Christ and being governed by His love. He makes us righteous as we obey his commands. He clothes us in HIS righteousness. When we truly pray out of love we accomplish much in the eyes of God, the one we are praying to. I believe that praying for each other sincerely moves God. Knowing that we are loving each other and hoping for the best to happen in each other’s lives causes Him to answer our requests and gives witness to Him that we are indeed His children. This makes things happen for us more effectively. There is nothing more frustrating and discouraging than prayers that are not being answered but need to be answered.
Friends, I encourage you to take your prayer life to the next level. Do not only pray alone but pray along with others who want the best for you and love you. Some situations in your life require corporate prayer. Life situations can sometimes cause us to feel like we are all alone and that no one cares. Sometimes we can feel like people are just a gossip and we don’t want them to know what we are in need of. But James 5:16 says differently as we have read. We need the strength of others to sometimes uplift and encourage us in prayer. Some situations in life are just too heavy to carry alone. If you feel like you cannot trust others in prayer ask God the Holy Spirit to bring you the right person or even a small group of people to help you reinforce your prayer life and get prayers answered. You can follow God’s word through James’ instructions and benefit your life at the same time through the help of other prayers.
NOTE
Praying for and with others helps to keep the fire of God burning in the believer and fosters a life that is strong in faith toward God. We all need to live more powerfully in this world, so reach out to others for prayer.
PEACE AND LOVE!
