Prayer is such an amazing gift of grace. Our world has the false idea that God is unapproachable, aloof, or disinterested in us, but the testimony of the Bible is just the opposite… “His eyes are upon the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers,” … “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth,” … and He invites us to pray… “Ask and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find; knock and the door shall be opened to you.” – (Matthew 7:7)
The Epistle of James was God’s message to the twelve tribes who were scattered because of persecution. In their deep trials, away from their homeland, and living as ‘strangers and foreigners’ in the world, God called them to pray about everything… “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and upbraids not, and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, not wavering. For the one who wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed (with feelings/emotions vs faith)” - (James 1:5,6). Wisdom from Christ is ours for the asking.
James closes with the encouragement to pray, pray, pray… pray in hardships, sing (a form of happy prayer) when you’re cheerful, and pray for others who are sick, weak, and weary. Pray like Elijah to counter the wicked plans of those in power, and pray for opportunities to save souls above all things.
What a gift we have been given! Prayer lets us interact with Heaven and establishes our hearts with His nearness while awaiting the Goal… “Be patient also, establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is drawing near” (James 5:7,8).
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