Prayer is one of the spiritual disciplines that many people struggle to commit time toward.  Not only due to the business of the world, but due to the habits we form with our smart phones and other media.  These verses in James proved a great strategy for developing a prayer strategy in your life.  When you encounter struggles, then pray.  When you are feeling happy, then thank God with praises.  You allow the circumstances of everyday life to lead you toward God.

Not only are we to direct our prayers to God, but James recommends getting the community of the church involved in our prayers.  There are many Christians who believe that they do not need to be connected to a church.  They think they can be a lone wolf and still be effective in living out their faith.  In reality, we need each other, and James reminds us of the importance of getting our church involved in praying for us.

Notice how we are to pray upwards to God and we are to allow others to be a part of our lives so they can pray for us.  At Woodlawn Baptist Church, the first word of our purpose statement is “Connect.”  As a church, we strive to connect people to God and to each other.  The Bible is constantly calling us into a relationship with God and how we need to relate with others in our lives.  The Ten Commandments begin by providing commandments about God and then it gives us commandments on how to have better relationships with other people.  Therefore, as you encounter struggles and successes, turn to God.  As you deal with burdens that are greater than you, get others involved to provide support.  If you follow these principles, you will have a meaningful prayer life.

Read James 5:13-20