Praying For One Another

James 5:16   “….pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

It’s easy to pray for those who encourage, affirm, support and bless me. It’s a different story with those who malign, undermine, falsely accuse whether knowingly or unknowingly.  James doesn’t make a distinction as who the “one another” is.  It appears he’s speaking about those we’re in some level of relationship with.

Job is a graphic example of praying for those who had spoken evil against him, declaring he had sinned and made false accusations.  It was when Job prayed for these “friends” that “the Lord restored Job’s losses”.

Perhaps a family member, friend or associate has spoken against you, restoration and healing can come when the prayer of a “righteous” person is offered on behalf of even those.

Who can we pray for today?  Prayer is one of the great expressions of love and service we can give to “one another”.