At the end of chapter five, James speaks of "the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." (vs.. 16)
If you have a copy of The Love Dare refresh your memory on the keys to effective prayer.
In verses 17 & 18, James
discusses the prayers of Elijah for the nation of Israel. Elijah prayed for his nation and God answered his prayer. We,
too, can and should pray for our nation. We need conviction and revival in our nation! Remember, God's promises of answered
prayers are for ALL His children.
We also must pray for those who have strayed from the truth - God's Word - and help
him/her back to Christ. James says in 5:20 that he who causes the stray to return to Christ has saved the soul of
the sinner "from death" - spiritual death and eternal separation from God. We speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) thus having
an attitude of love which will cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8; James 5:20; Proverbs 10:12).
This completes our study
on the book of James: Standing Tall. I hope you have enjoyed this study as much as I have. Take a few minutes to
answer the following questions from Be Mature: Growing Up in Christ: by Warren W. Wiersbe, in order to examine your heart to
see how mature you really are.
1. Am I becoming more and more patient in the testings of life?
2. Do I
play with temptation or resist it from the start?
3. Do I find joy in obeying the Word of God, or do I merely study it
and learn it?
4. Are there any prejudices that shackle me?
5. Am I able to control my tongue?
6.
Am I a peacemaker rather than a troublemaker? Do people come to me for spiritual wisdom?
7. Am I a friend of
God or a friend of the world?
8. Do I make plans without considering the will of God?
9. Am I selfish when it comes
to money? Am I unfaithful in the paying of my bills?
10. Do I naturally depend on prayer when I find myself in some kind
of trouble?
11. Am I the kind of person others seek for prayer support?
12. What is my attitude toward the wandering brother?
Do I criticize and gossip, or do I seek to restore him in love?
