James insists on the necessity and on the extreme value of prayer. How practical are the instructions specified in these verses. They are a divine prescription for all our needs till Jesus comes.

James 5:13 "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray ..."

The need prescribed for is 'kakopatheo'. "Suffering ill, to suffer evil afflictions, to be afflicted, to endure afflictions, suffer trouble." The word refers to any trouble other than sickness. The use of the word in the New Testament makes this plain.

	Christ's soldier will inevitably share hardship as one engaged in warfare against evil. 2 Timothy 2:3 "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
	Christ's messenger to the Gentiles suffered like a chained criminal, for the Word. 2 Timothy 2:9 "for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained."
	Christ's workers are to be cool-headed and ready to endure afflictions. 2 Timothy 4:5 "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

Notice the prescription for afflictions. James does not suggest complaining - nor grumbling, fretting, worrying - no, he says PRAY. Sooner or later every believer knows affliction for Christ, either in the body or spirit or mind. When undergoing this suffering there is the temptation to forego prayer and be in so much turmoil that prayer is neglected. Such temptation and state of being must be resisted and overcome. Times of affliction should be praying times. When Peter and John were "severely threatened" and commanded not to preach Jesus, they had a prayer meeting (Acts 4:17,23-31 ). James had seen the effect when the afflicted pray.

James 5:13 "... Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."

The best prayer book in the world is the book of Psalms. When in joy we sing psalms, we are praying through sacred songs. The psalms give us words to sing our petitions, express our thanksgiving, and joy in the working of God in us and for us. In singing psalms we can express joy in our great, Almighty, awesome God, and extol God's action in Christ to save us with so great salvation. In singing psalms Christ is praised as Saviour, prophet, priest and King.

	Joy centres on His worthiness Psalm 18:3 "I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. "
	Joy blesses God for all His benefits - "forgives" - "heals" - "redeems" - "crowns" - "satisfies" - "renewed" (Psalm 103:1-5 ).
	Joy expresses continual hope Psalm 71:14 "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. "
	Joy finds new ways to praise God: Psalm 71:14 "But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more."
	Joyful praise of God affects our lifestyle: Psalm 50:23 "Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God."
	Joy glories in God's strength after battle: Psalm 21:1 "The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!"
	Joy springs from God's guiding counsel: Psalm 16:7 "I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons."
	Joy fills the heart that trusts in Him: Psalm 33:21 "For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. "
	Being joyful we become God's channel of encouragement for the saints (Colossians 3:16): Ephesians 5:18,19 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; "

Spirit-filled people can with joy sing in the Spirit and in their understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15,26 ). This can be uplifting in personal experience and edifying to the gathered saints. The cheerful can take action for the common good.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you fulfill your obligation to the afflicted? (James 5:13; 2 Timothy 2:9 ).
2. Why is it good for you to sing Psalms? (James 5:13 ).