Parting last words. There is an element of weight and importance to them. In these parting last words of James, the author has a very simple message: never stop praying. Not only is prayer important because it keeps our thoughts focused on God, but it also connects us with him. It is when we are connected that he is most likely to do mighty things through us.
God does not ask us to be amazing. He simply asks us to stay close to him so he can do amazing things through us.
Sermon Clip
Full Service
MESSAGE Notes
James 5:13-20 – The Importance of Prayer
Pastor Kyle Lewis
“Never stop praying.”
- Two reasons why prayer is vital:
- Reason 1: Prayer takes our eyes off our problems and onto God.
- Reason 2: Prayer connects us with God.
- Do you want to connect with God? Prayer are Bible reading are the best place to start.
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? 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.
- James’ point is that we should be in constant prayer.
- Most of us are not doing that.
14 Is anyone among you sick? 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. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 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.
- Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- Romans 10:13 – everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
- 1 Kings 18:36-40 – “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” 40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.
- Why is this story important?
- James 5:17 – Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years
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.
“Well I don’t know how to pray.”
- Spend time praying with your loved ones.
- Join me at 9:15 on Facebook S, Tu, Th as I lead us in prayer.
- Join Steve at 8am on M, W, F on Facebook as he leads us in prayer.
- Join our Wednesday prayer group (6:15pm on Zoom)
- Read prayers in Scripture!
- Read books of prayers.
- If you will make the effort, you can learn to pray.
Island Pond Baptist Church is an SBC church in Hampstead, NH, just seconds from Derry, NH. We also have many people at our church from surrounding cities such as Chester, Sandown, Danville, Kingston, Fremont, Plaistow, Atkinson, Derry, Londonderry, Salem, and Haverhill. If you live in Southern New Hampshire, we would love for you to come and visit!