LIFE GROUP OR PERSONAL STUDY | JAMES 5:13-20
Sunday, September 29, 2024
Start with Context:
This week’s passage is the final section of the letter, focusing on the power of prayer, the role of faith in healing, and the importance of community in the life of believers. James also emphasizes the role of the community in lifting one another up, confessing sins, and seeking spiritual healing.
Read James 5:13-20 aloud.
James instructs us to pray in both suffering and joy. Why is it essential to bring both our struggles and celebrations to God in prayer? Can you remember when prayer was the first thing on your mind in struggle or celebration? What about when it was the last thing on your mind?
James discusses “the prayer of faith.” This prayer places 100% hope in Jesus as the source of life and healing. How does this kind of prayer differ from simply asking for things?
James writes in verse 16 about “confessing our sins to one another.” The Apology of the Augsburg Confession (XIIB 12) says, “Here, the reference is not to the confession made to a priest but is the reconciliation of brothers to each other. Confession should be mutual.” This doesn’t replace confession and absolution with penitent and pastor but refers to mutual consolation. Do you find it hard to admit fault to others? Who have you found to be trustworthy in consoling you and pointing you in the right direction?
James refers to the “prayer of a righteous man having great power.” Martin Luther writes: “God intends to test you to see whether you can hold on tight, and to teach you that your prayer is not displeasing to Him or unheard, simply because His answer is delayed and you are permitted to go on seeking and knocking.” How does that statement land with you?
As he ends, James says we are called to restore those wandering from the truth. What does this look like within our church or community? Discuss the balance between holding others
accountable and showing grace in love. How can we do this in a way that reflects Christ’s character?
Conclude by asking God for whatever you might need and the endurance to keep asking, even when it seems God is silent.