Verse – James 5:14-15
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Reflection – James 5:14-15 – Let Faith Heal You
Anointing with oil was an old Jewish practice. It was often seen in their temples during worship and the sacrifices they made to God. Kings were anointed with oil by God when they were enthroned. God chose the kings of Israel this way as seen in most cases in the Old Testament.
Here, James tells the church what to do if any of them is sick. Being sick can mean a lot of things. It can be a form of spiritual or physical defection. People who have strayed away from the teachings of God and live their lives for themselves can be seen as sick. But most importantly, James admonishes the church elders to pray over the sick person and anoint them with oil. This shows a depiction of how God enthroned and blessed people in the Old Testament. It also shows that whoever is ailing or has strayed will be brought back into the fold of God.
The text continues to say that the prayer of faith will heal that person and cause him to receive forgiveness. Notice it doesn’t say that the oil or the laying of the hands is what will cause redemption to take place. This shows us that the only way we can be redeemed is through faith in God and Christ our Lord.
If you feel sick today or feel like you are not living the life you were made to live, avail yourself for the spirit to work on you. Find company in the house of God and receive redemption through the prayer of faith. It does not end there though. You who are sick must have faith in the prayer and receive your redemption inwardly. Do not harden your heart against the Lord but open your heart to Him and receive your healing.
Declaration
I receive the healing of God through faith.
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Prayer
Dear Lord,
I am grateful for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died to redeem me from sin and provide the way for my healing. Thank you for being my ultimate healer, both of body and soul. Strengthen me to resist the temptations of this world and to always turn to You in times of need.
Grant me unwavering faith to receive Your blessings wholeheartedly, and guide me towards a deeper relationship with You. Save my soul, Lord, and forgive me for my transgressions. May Your mercy wash over me, cleansing me of all wrongdoing and remembering my sins no more.
Help me to remain steadfast in You, drawing strength from Your love and grace. Keep me from straying from Your path, and empower me to walk in righteousness all the days of my life.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.
