James 5:14-15

James wrote this letter to Jewish believers who were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. They were facing trials of many kinds, including persecution, poverty, and sickness. In the closing chapter of his letter, James addresses those who are sick and gives them a specific instruction.

He does not tell them to endure it alone. He does not tell them to pray harder on their own. He tells them to call for the elders of the assembly. The sick person takes the first step by reaching out. Then the elders come and pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.

Anointing with oil was a common practice in the early church. Oil was used both as medicine and as a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence. When the elders anointed the sick person with oil, it was an act of faith that invited God's healing power into the situation. Then comes the promise: the prayer of faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise them up.

James gives this instruction because God designed the church to be a place where the sick are cared for and prayed over. When you are sick, you are not meant to carry it alone. God has placed people around you who can pray over you in faith, and He promises to respond.

"Is any among you sick?" (ἀσθενεῖ τις ἐν ὑμῖν / asthenei tis en hymin)

Astheneo means to be weak, to be sick, or to lack strength. James addresses anyone in the community who is experiencing illness or physical weakness.

"Let him call for the elders" (προσκαλεσάσθω τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους / proskalesastho tous presbyterous)

Proskalesastho means to call to oneself, to summon, to invite to come. The sick person is the one who initiates. Presbyterous refers to the elders, the mature leaders of the assembly who carry spiritual authority. Those who are in need can reach out and call for those who can pray over them.

"Anointing him with oil" (ἀλείψαντες ἐλαίῳ / aleipsantes elaio)

Aleipho means to anoint or to apply oil. Elaion is olive oil. In the early church, anointing with oil was an act of faith and care, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and God's healing power. It was done in the name of the Lord, meaning it was carried out under His authority.

"The Lord will raise him up" (ἐγερεῖ αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος / egerei auton ho kyrios)

Egeiro means to raise up, to lift, to restore to health. The subject is the Lord. He is the one who raises the sick person up. The sick person calls, the elders pray, and the Lord heals.

I declare that the words of James 5:14-15 are true in my life.

• • When I am sick, I will call for the elders of the assembly.
• • I will let them pray over me.
• • God will heal me through the prayers of faith.
• • The Lord will raise me up.

God,

Thank You for providing a way for healing through the prayers of others.

I have at times tried to endure sickness on my own. I have hesitated to reach out and ask others to pray for me.

Today I receive the instruction James gave. When I am sick, I will call for the elders of the assembly. I will let them pray over me. I trust that You respond to the prayer of faith and that You will heal me.

Thank You that You placed leaders in the church who can pray over me in faith. Thank You for hearing and responding to prayer.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.