Lesson 254: James 5:16
James 5:16
The Blueprint — The Verse
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Memorization Practice
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Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
James closes addressing injustice, patience in suffering, and prayer. Community confession and intercession channel God’s healing power through righteous prayer.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
After urging patience until the Lord’s coming and warning the rich, James prescribes mutual confession and prayer for healing, noting Elijah-like power of righteous prayer.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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James 5:15
and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (James 5:15) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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James 5:17
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn’t rain on the earth for three years and six months.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (James 5:17) to continue the passage.
Discussion
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Who is a safe person for mutual confession and prayer?
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How does community prayer differ from private prayer?
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What healing u2014 spiritual or physical u2014 are you seeking?
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