Here is a short summary of the verses on prayer found in James 5:13-18
- Is anyone suffering? Pray.
- Is anyone sick? Call for the elders and let them pray over him.
- The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.
- Pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power.
- Elijah was a man and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, for three years and six months it didn’t rain. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
I’ve been thinking a lot about spiritual disciplines lately – maybe it’s normal in the midst of a “spiritual lull” to be considering and re-evaluating the practices that draw us into the presence of God. There are a few disciplines I am faithful in, and there are several that I’m not good at – prayer is one of my weak points. Why? Because I am notoriously bad at doing things I don’t understand.
I’ve been thinking about what Jesus meant when He said “Follow Me.” Maybe he intends for us to watch His every move and learn to do likewise… whether we understand it or not. I know He spent an awful lot of time praying and I’m certain He needed it less than I do.
As I read the biographies of the heroes of the faith, men and women God used to do amazing things, I see a common thread. They all appear to have had amazing prayer lives. They did what Jesus modeled. Through faith and obedience in prayer, they tapped into the same Power that Jesus did.
In a sense I’m beginning to wave the white flag, surrendering pride and stubbornness to faith and obedience. Maybe I should pray not because I understand how it works, but because the Bible repeatedly instructs me to do so.
If prayer happens to be your strong suit, please pray for me that I would learn to be a man of prayer!
Paul
Sixty-six books in a year 
Talking to God. Talking to people. It’s more about the relationship than the conversation. Therein lies your strong suit. Man of God. Man of prayer. I have no doubts about your relationship with God.
Paul,
Beautifully written and thank you for writing such an honest post!
This is topic very dear to my heart. One of the greatest joys that God has placed onto my heart is the privilege of praying to Him. Even though the Bible commands it, and it brings God great pleasure when we pray, there are tremendous benefits that we receive that are absolutely priceless. When I spend time in prayer, there is an unexplainable and abounding joy that God gives to me, as I worship Him, adore Him, and love Him through prayer time.
I am often amazed that God allows us the ability and privilege to have access to Him. We are able to draw near to Him, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, and He not only allows us the awesome privilege of drawing near to Him in prayer, but He also cares to listen. That is nothing short of astonishing to me and it gives me joy that is intoxicating!
I will definitely pray for you my brother, as you requested in your post. But Paul, I also want to encourage you and remind you of the treasure chest awaiting you, as you draw closer to Him in prayer. He does command it, you are right. But He also loves it when you enjoy that intimate fellowship time with Him. As you pour your heart out to Him, the rewards are overflowing peace and abounding joy, that could only come from His Spirit.
Lately when I pray, I spend a lot of time in thanksgiving and repeating God’s word and promises back to him, claiming them for myself. Grateful for your post and Amy in Peru’s this week, which reminded me to call on the Lord in prayer instead of trying to handle things on my own.