Flock Builders Pray

Last week, when we began looking at leadership, we read about the first deacons who were appointed to manage a food program.  The apostles gave the instructions.

Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. (Acts 6:3-4 NIV)

Notice what the apostles were going to make their priority.  It was prayer and ministry of the word.  That’s because these are the primary tools used by church leaders to help people walk together with God.  That is why elders were known for their prayer.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And 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. 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. (James 5:13-16 NIV)

This passage can be confusing, but not if we look at what James is saying here.  People were getting sick from spiritual problems.  The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth regarding the same type of problem.

For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 11:29-30 NIV)

You may be thinking to yourself, “That was before we had modern medicine.  Spiritual problems don’t really cause physical health problems.”  Well, let me try to explain it this way.  Let’s say you are struggling with anxiety.  The worry keeps you up at night.  Your stomach is always in knots.  Not only that, you go to the doctor and are told that you are developing an ulcer.  Now, the problems you are facing are spiritual, because God has given us a solution to anxiety.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

But the manifestation of this spiritual problem is definitely physical.  Now, you can take the pill your doctor gives you, but it won’t get rid of the reasons you are anxious.  When you call an elder over to pray for you, however, you will be meeting someone who not only knows these scriptures, but who knows how to apply them to real life and experience peace.  The elder’s time of prayer with you brings about healing.

So, how about you?  Do you pray?  Do your prayers bring about healing for yourself?  For others?  Are you a flock builder?