The Prayer Of A Righteous Person

Prayer appears throughout James’s letter, so it’s fitting that he ends there as well. From the beginning, James encourages us to ask God for wisdom, with faith (James 1:5). Later, he reminds us that we often don’t receive because we either fail to ask or ask with selfish motives (James 4:2-3). Now, in his closing words, James calls us to make prayer the centre of our lives (James 5:13-18).

That doesn’t mean only coming to God when we want something. Prayer isn’t a vending machine; it’s a relationship. We should pray in times of suffering and joy alike, confess our sins, invite others to pray with us, and keep seeking God even when His answer seems delayed. He works on our hearts when we spend time with Him. Gradually, our desires become His desires, and we learn to trust that He is working, even when we can’t yet see his answer.

James points to Elijah as proof that this kind of prayer is possible. Elijah wasn’t extraordinary by nature; he was an ordinary man who pursued God wholeheartedly. James lived the same way. He became known for constant prayer, remaining in Jerusalem long after others had fled so he could pray for the city and preach Christ to its people. Even after being thrown from the Temple for proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, James’s final response wasn’t anger or despair. As he died, he prayed.

Believers like James pray not just to ask God for help, but to participate in His work. Prayer is powerful and a meaningful way to work with God in building His kingdom (James 5:19-20). So, make prayer the centre of your life. Keep seeking God, trust Him to shape your heart, and let Him use your prayers to draw both you and others closer to Him.

Watch the full sermon here.