Reflection for Thursday 15 March 2021

Reading : James 5:13-18

HEALING OIL

“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any of you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.”

Christians speak a lot about the power of prayer. We say often to people, “we will hold you in prayer,” or “I will pray for you”

Sometimes we discuss our prayer life with others, confessing our struggles, or our frustrations, sometimes wondering if we are praying properly.

But how often do we share when our prayers have been answered?

Do we really believe what James says that the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective?

We know in our heads how important it is for the faith community to gather together to pray, but how high on our list of priorities is this coming together to pray for a specific person or situation?

Jesus instructs us to ask in order to receive, telling his disciples that faith the size of a mustard seed moves mountains.

Here at Braehead House we know the value of praying together, we have seen on many occasions the answers coming to specific prayers.

The prayers of the Fellowship are so important as we engage in and with the healing ministry of Jesus.

We have been called on many an occasion to pray for people who are sick in their body mind and spirit, and at times have taken the oil with us to anoint and pray for healing.

I myself know the blessing that has come when members of the prayer team here have prayed and blessed me with oil, and on each occasion I have felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit tending to me at the very point of my need.

POINTS TO PONDER

HAVE YOU EVER GATHERED WITH A GROUP OF BELIEVERS TO PRAY FOR SOMEONE? WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR YOU?

DO YOU BELIEVE THE PRAYER OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, you teach us to pray, tell us to ask and we will receive, to knock and the door will be opened.

Please forgive us for the times when we have neglected to act on this instruction.

Help us for a few moments today to embrace the gift of prayer, talking honestly with you, pouring out our hearts in praise or in pain.

May your Kingdom come and may your will be done.

Amen.