"The Test of Prayer"

My notes from Apex this weekend.
We're at the end of James..one more week.
James 5:13-18

Prayer and scripture..you need both
Prayer without scripture=confusion to who you are praying to
Prayer is what keeps the church breathing
The church was going through "spiritual emphysema" breathing in but not out

What follower of Jesus would not want:

1. physical and spiritual healing
2. friends or relatives forgiven of sin
3. the ability to affect global events


1. Awareness prayer (v13)
James is using sarcasm here
Why does he need to address this?
Because in times of suffering our reaction is the wrong one.
We ask God why or we say "I've got to figure this out"
We need to pray just like we breathe

Matthew 26:41
Luke 21:36
1 Peter 4:7
Colossians 4:2

2. Community Prayer (14a,16b)

3. Responsive Prayer (14b)
Prayer does not take the place of obedience but it does provide the power for our obedience

oil=symbolizes joy
oil is used as a medicine
some take oil literally and use it to annoint..not an issue
Oil is not the big deal..it's the person we're praying to.
sick=weak

4. Trusting Prayer(v.15)

5. Repenting Prayer (v.16)
If you and I are praying but have no desire to repent of a habit or sin,He DOESN'T LISTEN

Psalm 66:17-19
Proverbs 15:8
Proverbs 15:29
John 9:31

6. Relentless Prayer(v.17-18)
Elijah
It's not because of the need for answer, it's because of the one we're praying to.
God's view of our continual need and his supreme provision for all of our needs.
God is continually praying for us.
Philip Yancey...Prayer..What God did for Peter he's continually doing for us now