Ministering through prayer

James 5 : 13 - 20

........pray for each other.......

James seems to emphasize prayer for the sick, by which he probably means the physically sick. However, praying for the sick - can include the needy in whatever way and this form of ministry is always a ministry of much compassion.

It is a pity that for so many years I have been in a church tradition that seldom if ever offers such a ministry on Sundays. Sure, people can approach pastors or church leaders and request prayer but there is usually no 'altar call'. This is sad, for although such ministry time can be misused by those who do not really want to deal with their problems and just want 'instant cures', we are throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

In my recent visits to a charismatic church, I found myself responding to a couple of 'altar calls'. Now, those who know me might wonder if I have gone nuts - or worse still have I backslidden or something? Well, I knew there would be altar calls, so I told myself that I would allow myself to be led by the Spirit. I believe I went up without any compulsion, nor through the emotional persuasion of the pastor. I went up to 'receive' prayer, to have someone pray for me, for the strength I felt lacking. No long explanations needed. Just a compassionate ministry to a fellow believer who is needy at that point in time. Most times, that's all that is required of the person who prays - that they pray in faith and with a caring heart, even for a person they meet for the first time.

Of course James also mentions confession of sin and bringing back a person who has strayed. This is the other side of the coin, that with a tender and compassionate heart the one who prays discerns real needs, draws out confession where needed and admonishes where appropriate. Such a ministry of prayer shines forth with our holy God's merciful love and compassion.