Theory question 108
Faith, Works and ImpartialitySection C (Themes from Selected Epistles)
(a) "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him". What else did James say about effective prayer? (b) Outline three reasons why some prayers are not answered.
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(a) If anyone lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives generously (James 1:5).
Ask in faith without doubting; the doubter is like a wave and will receive nothing (James 1:6-8).
You do not have because you do not ask; you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions (James 4:2-3).
Is anyone suffering? Let him pray; cheerful? Let him sing praise (James 5:13).
The elders should anoint the sick with oil; the prayer of faith will save the sick and his sins will be forgiven (James 5:14-15).
Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:16).
The prayer of a righteous man has great power (James 5:16).
Elijah prayed and it did not rain for three years and six months; he prayed again and it rained (James 5:17-18).
(b) Any three: doubt; selfish motives; unconfessed sin; unforgiveness; pride; disobedience; not praying according to God's will.
Summarise James on prayer, then three reasons.