June 4, 2025

Productive Prayer #

James 5:13-20

Introduction

So far, we have covered: “The Power of Prayer”, “The Potential of Prayer”, “The Person of Prayer”, and on Sunday night, though not part of this series, it certainly fits with it, I covered “When God Answers: NO.”

There are many passages on prayer in the Bible, we have not even scratched the surface of prayer. However, you hardly can consider the topic of prayer, without considering this passage in James.

In our passage, James 5, prayer is used consecutively from verse 13-18. Prayer is the clear topic of this passage.

I. Time of Prayer #

A. Afflicted (James 5:13) #

Psa. 102:0 ¶ A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD.

1. Pray! #

2. Praise – (Acts 16:23-25) #

B. Ailing (James 5:14) #

1. Sickness is tough #

2. Matthew Henry comments: “In the times of miraculous healing, the sick were to be anointed with oil in the name of the Lord. Expositors generally confine this anointing with oil to such as had the power of working miracles; and, when miracles ceased, this institution ceased also.” #

Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

C. All time! #

1Th. 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

II. Type of Prayer (James 5:15-16) #

A. Private prayer (13) “let him pray” #

B. Pastoral Prayer (14) “calll for the elders of the church” #

1. As Pastor, it is my responsibility to pray! #

Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

C. Persuaded prayer (15) “prayer of faith” #

D. Pure Prayer (16) “righteous man” #

III. Textual Example (James 5:17-18) #

Speaking of OT examples in the book of Corinthians, it says:

1Cor. 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.