Day 11

## **TODAY’S SCRIPTURE**
JAMES 5:13-15 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

### **THOUGHT FOR TODAY:**
In this passage, Pastor James establishes best practices for a worshipping community. Praying, praising, and caring for one another are the fundamental expressions for followers of Christ. This is a reminder that spiritual first responders practice prayers of faith, not as a last resort in times of trouble, but as the natural response to God's provision of healing and forgiveness.
James affirms the role of leaders in praying "over" a brother or sister who has fallen ill. He encourages the leaders to symbolize the presence of the Holy Spirit with oil, an ancient expression from Israel's history of God's provision. He is careful to remind us that it "the Lord" who raises up the sick, the prayers and oil are simply tangible expressions of our trust in God's capability to heal. Faith's net result displays God's signature of correction and forgiveness.


### **PRAYER**
All-Powerful God, I thank you for being attentive to our praise and responsive to our suffering. I praise you, knowing that we are never alone and always able to call upon you in times of need. Give us the gift of faith to believe on behalf of others and to live in the forgiveness you provide by your grace. Amen.


*You can also join us as we pray for people at HCC under “Pray with us” on the HCC App.