Wednesday
June 28, 2022

Biblical Teaching on Prayer

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James 5:13

Is anyone among you in trouble?
Let them pray. Is anyone happy?
Let them sing songs of praise.

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Pondering Point

Right up there with the Apostle Paul’s call to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), this verse clues us into the notion that everything is a reason to pray. Even if you yourself are not in trouble as of now, who doesn’t know someone in trouble? They could use a prayer or two – and not just benefitting from a prayer about them but experiencing a prayer with them. Ask God for a spirit that can gently approach and pray with such trouble- hearted people.

From a vastly different perspective comes the question "is anyone happy?" The call to pray here is to "let them sing songs of praise."

Do you know someone who sings about God's goodness even over small or simple blessings? I know a few. Such activity is usually indicative of a heart attuned to God. I like having such a heart -- AND this Bible verse shows that God likes you having such a heart.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are familiar with suffering. If my heart is going to become one familiar with suffering – whether my own or others – teach me how to:

  • pray about it
  • pray in it and
  • pray through it.

And enable my heart to be familiar not just with happiness but with songs of praise over happiness. Bless my heart to constantly communicate with You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.