May 29
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JAMES 5
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. – James 5:16-18
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JAMES 5 POWER OF THE RIGHTEOUS PERSON’S PRAYER
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The Lord calls us to be accountable to each other
He wants us to confess our sins to one another
Sharing our burdens and weaknesses show humility
It exudes an attitude of love and God-dependency
If we keep our sins and adversities to ourselves
We live independently from God’s church and his saints
Let us build up the body of Christ by sharing our troubles
This way, we can pray for one another’s illnesses and trials
Do not be afraid to share your struggles with your brother
Confess your sins to each other so you can grow and mature.
When a righteous person humbly asks for favor
The Lord listens to his requests because of his fervor
When the prophet Elijah pleaded for drought and rain
The Lord answered according to his faith as he prayed
Those who serve the Lord must ask in faith without doubting
For the one who doubts is like the waves of the sea which are unstable
When you pray, believe that you’ve already received it and it will be yours
Make sure you have no grudge on others when you pray to your Savior
Any bitterness and resentment or jealousy will block your prayer
Cleanse your hearts and do not be double-minded and God will answer.
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REFLECTION
• When have you prayed for something that God has granted?
• Why do you think some prayers are not answered?