When do you pray? Sometimes we fall into a rhythm of praying only when we’ve exhausted our resources and are overwhelmed by a crisis. James 5:13-20 challenges us to pray in every circumstance because prayer corrects our perspective and connects us with God’s power.

When we suffer, prayer corrects our perspective on suffering (5:13). In prayer, we receive wisdom to see (James 1:5) that God is at work to strengthen us to remain steadfast and therefore to “count it all joy” when we face trials (1:2). Likewise, when we are “cheerful” and doing well, James commands us to give God praise (5:13b). When we give God praise and thanksgiving, it benefits us in numerous ways, including helping us to fight sin (Rom 1:21) and walk as those “filled” with the Spirit (Eph 5:19-20).

But prayer doesn’t just change us, it changes circumstances because prayer connects us with God’s power. Prayer connects God’s power with the sick. God uses means and instruments like spiritual leaders, anointing, and prayer itself—but the real power comes from him. He will raise up the one who is sick (5:15), and it is his power that closed and opened the heavens in response to Elijah’s prayer (5:17-18). 

Finally, prayer connects God’s power with our sin. James recognizes that while some people may become sick because of unrepentant sin (5:15), every person—the sick person, the well person, the one who wanders (5:19-20), the one who has never heard—needs the deeper healing of sin offered in the Gospel. James commands us to confess our sins to one another and pray for this healing (5:16). Through prayer, the good news of the cross which is “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom 1:16) changes our hearts and heals us. 

How does James’ view of prayer challenge you? What can you change or choose this week that will help you pray in every circumstance?