Genuine Faith Endures through Prayer

James 5:7-20

Four Keys to Enduring Hardships:

___________________________ (James 5:7)

___________________________ (James 5:8)

___________________________  (James 5:11)

___________________________ (James 5:13-18)

James 5:16 “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

“Great power” refers to something that gives us _______________________________________ and enables us to _______________________________.

There’s a correlation between _________________________ and the _________________________________.

Is anyone suffering?  __________________________________________.

Is anyone sick?  _____________________________________________.

If anyone has sinned?  _________________________________________.

 

Connection Group Questions

Read James 5:7-20

What attitudes does James tell us underlie effective prayer? 

See James 1:6-8   James 4:3

Specifically, how did Elijah pray? (James 5:17) ________________________  

Look up the following verses and note how they support this approach in prayer:

Luke 18:1

Colossians 4:2

Romans 12:2

Acts 1:14

Why do you think God values persistent prayer?

James offers us Elijah as an example of someone whose prayers were powerful and effective.  But he also reminds us that “Elijah was a man (a person…just like us).”  In what ways is your prayer life strong, like Elijah’s?  In what ways is it not?

Group Prayer Time:

In our worship gathering this week, we prayed individually for a few specific areas  that are mentioned in James 5:13-16.  (forgiveness, healing and strength).  Have each person share about one area they need prayer for, and then take time for a few others pray for them in this area.

After praying for needs, take a few minutes as a group to offer prayers of praise, worship, adoration and thanks to the Lord.