James Says

Vol. 5
Be a Person Who Prays

Take a few minutes today to read through the following scripture,
short message, and pray. 

James 5:13-18 (NIV)

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

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.


In the book of James, we are reminded that wisdom is found in a life of prayer. But this wisdom extends beyond simply making prayer a habit—though that is certainly a meaningful first step. It’s about allowing prayer to shape who we are at the core, influencing not just our actions but our attitudes, choices, and the way we love others. Prayer is more than a discipline; it is a pathway to building character. It invites us to ask ourselves these questions: How can prayer mold me into someone who lives and loves more like Jesus? How can consistent conversation with God refine my character, strengthen my faith, and guide my responses to the world around me? When we allow prayer to do more than fill a space in our routine—we step into the kind of wisdom that James describes, a wisdom that is lived out in love and humility.


Prayer

Lord, we are so grateful for your unfailing love and the wisdom you reveal to us through the book of James. Thank you for teaching us and guiding us closer to your heart. We ask that you help us not only to gain knowledge but to live it out, becoming people who reflect your character in all we do. Remove anything that stands in the way of our relationship with you, and open our hearts to trust you more deeply. May we remain thankful for the experiences you have given us, seeing your hand in every season. Give us the courage and openness to embrace the new opportunities you have planned for us. We love you, and we trust you. Amen.