The Christians addressed by James were divided and lukewarm. They needed help desperately. After dealing with an array of problems, the author came to the conclusion that the best thing to do would be to pray. He reiterates: "If anyone among you is suffering hardship, he must pray" (Jas 5:13). "This prayer uttered in faith will reclaim the one who is ill" (Jas 5:15). "Pray for one another, that you may find healing. The fervent petition of a holy man is powerful indeed. Elijah was only a man like us, yet he prayed earnestly" (Jas 5:16-17).
Pray for those suffering, sick, or strayed (Jas 5:19), but whatever you do, PRAY. Pray as if your life depended on it. Pray when you feel like it and when you don't feel like it. Pray always and never lose heart (Lk 18:1). "Never cease praying" (1 Thes 5:17).
The Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, Pope St. John Paul II at Rome, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and other prophets all said the same thing: the Church must once again become a "house of prayer" (Is 56:7).
Jesus is praying at the right hand of the Father (Heb 7:25). The Spirit will help us join Him in prayer (Rm 8:26). Pray!
| PRAYER: | Lord, may I "pray in the Spirit" at every opportunity (Eph 6:18; 1 Cor 14:15). |
| PROMISE: | "He embraced them and blessed them, placing His hands on them." –Mk 10:16 |
| PRAISE: | St. Bede the Venerable finished writing his last book the night before and the day of the Ascension, prayed the Gloria, and breathed his last. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College