When the Church Prays

WHEN THE CHURCH PRAYS

I am intrigued by The Apostle James's (James 5:13-18) views on prayer. In this pericope he teaches on the importance of a praying church. The church which is characterized as a group of believers are encouraged to pray for one another and the unchurched. Conversely, this is the ideal because every person who is inside or outside the body of Christ stands in the need of prayer. Tragedy, misfortune and calamity does not respect one's faith claim. Devastation and destruction will befall the Muslim as well as the Jew; the Catholic as well as the atheist. Seeking God and asking Him to intercede in someone's life in a positive manner is what the Christian ought to do. Regardless of one's views of the supreme deity, I strongly believe that they should be prayed for. Prayer may not remove the problem, but it will grant strength to the believer to get through the season of difficulty. To bring light to this, let us consider the tree. Its three main components are the roots, trunk and branches. Most roots grow deep and spread while the branches reach toward the heaven. When storms come, the tree may sway and bend, but it is not uprooted because it has a strong root. In other words, it's foundation is sure. Prayer is the root of the Christian experience. If one has a strong prayer life, then they are rooted and their foundation is sure. Regardless of what life throws at them or the contrary winds of adversity that blows against them, they shall not be moved, for they shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water (Psalm1).

The challenges of life will come, just keep on living. I teach my architectural students that when designing a building, one must consider the 100 year flood, 50 year earthquake or 20 year hurricane. These natural "Acts of God" will happen, but we don't know when. The point is to create a building that can withstand the violence of nature. The structure must be sound and anchored to a foundation underground. When unseasonal 100 mph winds begin to howl and threaten to destroy the building, the building will not move nor flinch because of its structural integrity. The same can be applied to a prayer life. You and I have an opportunity right now to develop and design a prayer life that is meaningful. Why wait until all hell breaks loose or "Sugar Honey Ice Tea" hit the fan before one starts to pray? Why wait for enemies and demonic forces to overwhelm and corner us before we speak a word of help to our God? Why wait as a church to pray for its saints when we know that it's parishioners are struggling to maintain their mortgage, lack of health care or making ends meet during this season of recession? C'mon and let's build something together and pray by pouring the foundational concrete slab while the sun is shining. Let's erect the structure and anchor it to the foundation by praying now while there is still daylight before the night comes. Let's build the roof so that one might be protected from the rain by praying now before the storm comes. For the contrary winds, hail stones, sleet, torrential rains and blizzard will come. I refuse to get caught in the storm without proper attire. One may ask, "How do you do it or what needs to be said?" The answer is simple. Saying thank you is a prayer. Telling God that He is awesome is a prayer. Asking God to help your neighbor is a prayer. Speak of His greatness and salvific power while there is peace in the land so that when war comes, you are already in tune with the Heavenly Commander in Chief.

Prayer does not start at the church, but it begins at home. Our corporate worship should be a reflection of our private devotion. James highlights the importance of a praying church and gives instruction on who should pray for others. He assumes that the congregation will have sick persons among them. He acknowledges that sickness presents a problem that requires a solution. The sickness can be spiritual, mental, emotional or physical. While there are various kinds of sicknesses, the solution is prayer. However, James is careful to suggest that an Elder should lead prayer for others while laying hands on them.

Let's go a little deeper. Before we go any further, let's examine what it means to be sick. Sometimes, there are signs but most often, the signs are elusive. How do we know if we are sick? The story is told of a woman who seemed to be healthy, full of energy and excitement. She was athletic and was a long distance runner. One day, after a morning run she became very ill and coughed up blood. She decided to go to the emergency room at the hospital only to find out that she had stage four cancer. She had no idea that these tumors were growing so rapidly inside her. This sickness did not reveal itself until it was too late. Sometimes sin can hide within us just like cancer. I later learned that the cancer was in her family history. Her aunt, uncle, grandmother and great grandmother all passed at early ages because of this dreadful disease. Like cancer, sin is in our family history because we are the sons and daughters of Adam. Knowing the facts should cause one to get screened regularly. If the cancer can be detected early, then it can be surgically removed or killed by radiation. Christians should make their way to the hospital, which is the Church for their regular screening. We ought to come willingly and lay on the the Great Physician's table. The bible says that we are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12) wholly and acceptable to God. Through prayer, we must endeavor to get on the altar, the table of the Lord and allow Him to proceed with a spiritual surgical procedure. Make no mistake, He's not going to use a scalpel or knife, but He will use a double-edge sword that will separate the soul and spirit and judge the thoughts and intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). Granny said that He's a doctor in the sick room. He's a lawyer who’s never lost a case and a doctor who’s never lost a patient.

The Apostle James encouraged the believers to allow the Elders to pray and lay hands on them. The Elders were people of great faith and resolve. These were comprised of deacons, pastors, evangelists, teachers and administrators. The faith of these leaders was tried and tested in the midst of persecution. It is important to note that the early Christian movement participants were persecuted and treated poorly because of their faith in Christ. They believed that following Christ was superior to the law of Judaism, Hellenistic and Roman Cultures. A Christian was looked upon as radical and a threat to the status quo. James understood that the believers, not only were confronted by infirmity, but also violence, mayhem and destruction. The early Christian leaders had to provide a ministry that was relevant, reliable and renewable. James decided to replicate what He saw in Christ, which made the difference in his effectiveness. Converts were made daily because the Christian leaders mimicked the ministerial method of Christ. My mentor and friend the Rev. Dr. Louis Anthony said that, "The true measure of a disciple is when they can be found teaching what the teacher taught in his or her absence." This displays mastery of the lesson that Jesus taught by word and example. James witnessed Christ praying and laying hands on people. He watched Christ relate and fellowship with others. He studied how Christ provided a word of encouragement and hope from a place of compassion and love. He did not condemn and divide, rather He uplifted and unified. When Christ prayed, He asked God to make the impossible possible and believed it with conviction.

As a pastor, I have to ask myself, "Do I pray with conviction and compassion?" Do I believe that God will answer my prayers for others? Jesus told Peter that the devil asked to sift him as wheat, but that He prayed for him that his faith may not fail (Luke 22:32). This was a prelude to the denial of Christ. Perhaps in another book, we can revisit the question the devil had for Jesus. I believe that Christ recognized Peter's humanity and weakness. Yet, He told Peter that when he turned again, to go strengthen his brothers. My God, this is intercessory prayer at its best! Jesus acknowledged Peter's limitation, but celebrated his promise. I strongly believe that if Jesus did not have this conversation with Peter, then Peter would not have been the vessel used at Pentecost. Peter preached with boldness and power as he was led by the Holy Ghost because he remembered that Jesus told him to strengthen his brothers when he turned. Turn from what? Turn from the lie, guilt, depression, hate, bitterness, loneliness, anger, disillusionment, misery, unfaithfulness, selfishness, pride and fear. This is what the church must do for its members as it is demonstrated by the leadership of the church.

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