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
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
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
-
James 5:15
15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (James 5:15) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
James 5:17
17Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (James 5:17) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- Who is a safe person for mutual confession and prayer?
- How does community prayer differ from private prayer?
- What healing u2014 spiritual or physical u2014 are you seeking?