In James 5.13-18 we read of prayer. There is a when, a why, and a who. At the end of the passage there is a real-life example with a real person, Elijah.
Elijah was a man with a human nature, so we read, and you are a man or lady with a human nature, are you not? The same Spirit that was available to Elijah, then, is available to you. But, is Elijah the ultimate example of a human natured person praying in all situations because they knew the power of it?
Is Elijah the hero of this story?
The same Spirit that was available to Elijah is available to you, so, are you the hero of this story?
Who is the real hero of this story?
In John 11, Jesus finds out that His friend Lazarus has died. He cries. He is deeply moved. He shows emotion. What does He do?
Jesus lifted up his eyes and said…
Feeling low in Spirit, He prayed (James 5.13).
In Luke 10, cheerful about the success of the mission of the 72 He sent out,
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…
Cheerful, He prayed and praised (James 5.13b).
He is, right now, at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us, praying for us, that you may be healed (James 5.15).
So, the when, the why, and the who, all find their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus.
At the centre of your life of prayer, then, is Jesus.
James Travis 