Where do you turn when you are in need? Do you seek out family, friends, or co-workers? Have you ever considered asking someone you consider an enemy? Are you surprised by that question? What if that is where you need to seek healing?
We all need help. Some of us are less reliant on help than others. Yet, we all have to accept help at various times during our lives. It is when the help comes from an unexpected source that we are surprised. Especially if it comes from someone we do not like.
James tells us prayer is powerful. But we should take notice of what he says just before that. He talks about healing the sick through prayer and faith. We may experience physical healing through prayer. But let’s consider spiritual healing rather than physical healing.
Spiritual healing certainly comes through prayer and our relationship with Jesus. James says we are to confess our sins, then he says to pray for one another. Is it a coincidence he uses that order? I think not. I believe he is saying that we should confess to those we have sinned against, then they are to pray for us, and healing is experienced by both parties.
That sounds like the early church. It sounds like the church that met every day in the first century. It sounds like the small groups John Wesley organized. It sounds like something God would desire us to do today. We might reconsider how we go about prayer and spiritual healing.
I pray we all confess and ask for forgiveness from one another. I pray we pray for one another. I pray each one of us will experience the spiritual healing that comes from confession and prayer over us. Confess to God. Ask God for forgiveness. Pray for physical healing. Pray for spiritual healing.
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
Marty Pressey 