Three Particular Circumstances
Read James 5:13-18. In verses 13-14, James mentions three particular circumstances that his readers may experience.

* Trouble. "Is any of you in trouble?" (5:13a) You should ______________________.

1. In what specific ways does prayer help in times of trouble? (1:5; 4:8)

* Happiness. "Is anyone happy?" (5:13b) You should ____________________________.

2. Why? (1:17-18)

I will praise the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. (Psalm 34:1)

* Sickness. "Is any one of you sick?" (5:14) You should call the church elders to __________ over you and anoint you with oil in the name of the Lord.

3. Verse 15 says, "The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well." However, in our experience, it seems that prayer does not always make sick people well. How do we reconcile our experience with verse 15? (Consider 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Luke 22:39-44; 1 John 5:14-15.)

Reflection/Application:
† Where do you turn in times of trouble or sickness? God is the ultimate source of strength, peace, joy, healing, and hope. If you have not entered into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, you are encouraged to do so. That is the first step to real help.

† If you are a Christian, do you immediately turn to God in times of trouble, trusting completely in Him? Do you turn to God only in times of trouble, or do you praise Him at all times? This week, reflect on Luke 11:5-13 and 17:11-19.

General Principles
James transitions from three particular circumstances in verses 13-15 to general principles in verse 16.

* ____________________ your _____________________ to each other, and

___________________ for each other so that you may be healed. (5:16a)

4. Verse 16 says, "Confess your sins to each other." To what extent should we confess our sins to other people, or before a group of people?

5. Whose prayer is "powerful and effective?" Why? What are characteristics of "powerful and effective" prayer?

An Example

6. How is Elijah used as an example of prayer? What is the point of the illustration?

Reflection/Application:

†Is there sin in your life that you need to confess to God, and/or others? Sin hinders our prayer and damages our health/wholeness. (Read Psalm 66:18.)

†As a Christian, do you regularly pray for others? Is your prayer "powerful and effective?" This week, reflect on and apply Luke 11:1-13, 1 John 5:14-15, & other verses noted above.