Counter Culture: Pray For One Another — Wednesday
James 5:14
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. (NIV)
I sent a message to one of our executive assistants, Kim: “Would it be possible to set up a meeting with the elders for prayer?”
“Prayer for what?”
“Breast Cancer.”
“Oh, I’ll call and see what I can do!”
That afternoon, we had a time and place before our trip to Louisville. Five men showed up. Men I’ve known and respected for years. Men who have led our church faithfully in good times and bad, with no expectations of recognition, and usually with great personal sacrifice. They asked questions, and we told our story. They commented on our level of peace and faith. Being vulnerable before anyone—especially the leaders of the church—can be daunting, but scripture asks us to, so we did.
The men gathered around us, placed a little bit of oil on Amy’s head, laid hands on us, and prayed. Each man prayed over us individually, and as they spoke, we could sense the presence of the Holy Spirit. We all had goosebumps. We sat in silence for a while, and then we thanked them and went on to Louisville. I found out later that our elders had spent time in prayer even before we arrived, preparing their hearts and minds before they prayed for us. They take it very seriously.
So why does the Bible ask us to have the elders pray? Is this a formula for healing? Do they have some special healing power gifted to them by the Holy Spirit? I don’t think so. I think it’s just an opportunity for us to be faithful. Just like in baptism—the waters themselves don’t save us, but it’s an expression of our faith in the One who can. Likewise, having the elders pray is an expression of our faith in the One who answers prayer.
Taking the extra step in following Jesus through prayer, worship, or service doesn’t guarantee us the results we want in life. It does, however, show our faith in the One who has promised to walk with us through it.
*Update: Although Amy is still in active treatment, we are grateful to say there is currently no evidence of disease in her body.
Wednesday’s Reflection
Do you need to take an extra step toward expressing your faith in, and faithfulness to, God? Take that step today.