Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:13-18)
It was Easter Sunday, and I’d just come home from church, and I sensed I needed to write a devotional for Links. God has worked in my life so much this weekend, and I wanted to share it with all my Links brothers and sisters. I’m no special saint, I’m just convinced I can pray more!
Often in Scripture, we are exhorted to pray and depend on God. Jesus taught us to pray by giving us the Lord’s Prayer as a template, easy for us to follow when we do not know how or what to pray for.
I went to our church’s Good Friday service. At the end of the service, our pastor took a moment to remind us that we can receive prayer in the back of the sanctuary for health, repentance, or for a family member.
I have struggled with retinal issues for years. The first time I was scheduled for surgery, the pastor invited those in need of healing, both physical and spiritual, to come forward for prayer.
I hesitated and stayed in my seat. I needed prayer but didn’t go forward. I’ve always regretted it. This Good Friday, our pastor offered to pray for those in need of healing. Right away, I went forward, was anointed with oil, and received prayer.
My eyes have not improved yet, but more than anything, I want God’s will in my life. I knew I needed prayer, so I went. In a way, my eyes were opened differently. I needed prayer and to pray more.
On Saturday, I went to play golf at my club. On the way, I prayed that God would use me at my club that day. I normally pray for my Links group as I head there to lead it, but on Saturdays when I’m just going to play golf, I’m often thinking about what’s wrong with my game.
After Friday night, I was nudged by the Holy Spirit to pray that the Lord might use me. On Saturday mornings, I play golf with several groups. That Saturday, I was paired with a threesome of walkers.
By the third hole, we were talking about which church I go to, one of the guys going to a Good Friday service, and a gentleman sharing that he sometimes goes to church alone because his wife is worn out from her job.
By the ninth hole, I had invited one of the guys to our Links study. I prayed, and God opened the door for me to share the gospel. After golf, I heard that a buddy of mine was in a hospital in Texas after a heart scare. I had a cause to pray earnestly.
By this time, it was Easter morning. I was getting ready and singing an older hymn to myself, “I Serve a Risen Savior,” kind of under my breath.
Our pastor quotes the song’s lyrics. I’m having repeated God moments. As we’re getting close to the end of the service, knowing that he is going to ask people to come forward, the Spirit is prompting my heart to pray.
I pray for people to come to know the Living Savior. My mind goes to those I know who need physical and spiritual healing; I pray. I’m praying without ceasing!
I need to pray more!
As I lead our Links group, I want my guys to walk out the door with a few takeaways: 1) What have I learned? 2) Ask God to use me. 3) Be ready, pray, and wait to see how He provides.
Prayer: Lord! Use us for your glory and the good of those around us.