James 5:13-18 (Part 18) The Call to Prayer

The Call to Prayer

Prohibition of oaths—v. 12

• Don’t make a moral issue out of this

• James is dealing with the Jewish habit (We do this, too).

o I promise

o I swear

o I’m telling the truth

The subject of prayer—vv. 13-18

• The call to prayer—vv. 13-16

o Emotional situations, v.13

 In times of suffering

 In times of cheerfulness

o Physical situations, vv. 14-16a

 This is not the Catholic version of extreme unction

 It does not teach confession of sin to fellow believers

 The initiative lies with the one sick (expression of need requires humility)

 Those told of the need are to respond

 Primary action—“let them pray”

 Secondary action—“anoint with oil” (means to rub)

 Note: The oil is not linked to healing (v. 15)—takes place in the sick one’s home

• The effectiveness of prayer—vv. 16b-18

o The statement of fact, v. 16b

o An example of the fact, vv. 17-18—Elijah . . .

 Prayed in harmony with the known will of God (I Kings 17:1, 14, 18:1)

 Prayer life was persistent—(18:42-43)