The Prayer of Faith

DAILY READING

James 5:13-20

DEVOTION / REFLECTION

Spiritual Family Tree

by Judy Webb

When I read this passage of scripture, memories of the day I hit bottom came to mind; a day when I finally turned to God, and everything changed for me. God listened to my desperate plea. I didn't understand how to pray, but my cry of pain reached the ears of God, and he began to move. Almost 40 years ago now, but I acknowledge that day as significant and am reminded of 6 women God used to speak into my life, who practiced James 5:19-20 to the fullest.

19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

The interesting thing about these women is they have no idea of the impact their actions on my faith journey. These women are part of my Spiritual Family Tree. Can you bring to mind someone, or a number of someone's, who introduced you to Jesus. The introduction may not have included words, but often actions. (This gives real meaning to the phrase; actions speak louder than words.)

Think about those who influenced your faith. Bring to mind how they did this; with words from scripture, or by being doers of the word, not just hearers (James 1:22). Take a moment to thank God for this person or persons. Take a moment to tell them how their actions impacted you. Be specific so they understand the significant impact they provided by doing what Jesus would do. They will be stunned, overwhelmed, and encouraged by your testimony.

PRAYER PRACTICE

After reading today's scripture passage and the devotion, take a few minutes to pray a simple prayer asking God to reveal the nuggets that are meant especially for you. Get somewhere quiet and relaxing. Ask God to fill you with His presence, grace, love, peace, etc. Pray this way for just a few minutes, trusting God to work through this post today.

Weak and Frail vs Powerful and Effective

Read: James 5:13-20

My parents were married on March 13, 1942 when my Dad was drafted into the armed services during World War II, he was age 20 and my Mom was 17.  These two did life together, the ups and downs, through thick and thin for 71 years.  They truly became one flesh. 

In October of 2017, my Mother drew her last breath at the age of 91.  She had survived 3 long years after the death of my Dad. 

The last 3 years of her life was like watching half a person trying to live.  I would talk to her nearly every day on the phone.  She would often tell me all about her aches and pains, her loneliness and how much she missed my Dad. 

She would say, “I keep praying that God will take me home!  I’m not sure why He isn’t listening and why I am still here.”  She prayed earnestly, sometimes desperately, feeling like all hope was gone.  Sometimes she would even doubt if God still wanted her. 

I would respond, “God still has you here for a reason.  We don’t always know what those reasons are.  Maybe it is something He needs to show us, your children.”   

I prayed for her.  My siblings were all praying for her.  When her pastor would come visit, she would say, “You know how I want you to pray.” And he would pray for her too!

God finally granted her prayer that morning in October of 2017 when He peacefully took her home.  This weak, frail woman stricken with diabetes, failing eyesight, painful arthritis, swelling legs, a failing mind and a lonely heart finally fell into the arms of Jesus at last.  

As frail as she was, my Mom's prayers and our prayers were POWERFUL and EFFECTIVE!! Despite her occasional doubts, Jesus dressed her in His robe of righteousness that was bought with His innocent blood.

This past week, my oldest sister, Gail, has been caring for a friend who is critically ill.  While Gail was comforting her friend’s daughter, many of the compassionate words Gail shared with her had come straight from experiencing my Mom's struggles the last few years of her life.  God is so good!!  He is even still, after her death, answering my Mom’s underlying prayer of why!  He was indeed teaching us, her children, things that would comfort others.

Dear Lord Jesus, when I feel weak and frail, help me not be too proud or ashamed to reach out and ask for help.  Help me see that You are supplying all I need even when I am desperately feeling lonely, lost and without hope.  Help me reach out to those around me who can also pray for me.  And give me the confident hope that You WILL powerfully and effectively answer my prayers far beyond all I can ask or imagine.