Freedom Calls

As Christians, we are reminded in James 5:14-15 that prayer and faith play a crucial role in healing. When we are sick, we are instructed to call upon the elders of the church to pray over us and anoint us with oil in the name of the Lord.

The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, and the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

This passage highlights the importance of faith and prayer in the healing process. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “Faith is the silver thread that weaves the garment of prayer.” (1) When we pray in faith, we demonstrate our trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to heal.

CS Lewis, in his book “The Problem of Pain,” wrote, “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” (2) While pain and suffering can be difficult to endure, they can also serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. When we pray in faith, we acknowledge that God is greater than our suffering and that He can bring healing and restoration.

AW Tozer, in his book “The Pursuit of God,” emphasized the importance of seeking God’s presence in our lives. He wrote, “The presence of God is the one thing that can satisfy the soul.” (3) When we pray in faith, we seek God’s presence and invite Him to intervene in our lives.

Watchman Nee, a Chinese Christian leader, wrote extensively on the subject of prayer and faith. He said, “Prayer is not a matter of forcing God to do something, but rather it is a matter of cooperating with Him.” (4) When we pray in faith, we cooperate with God and allow Him to work in our lives.

DL Moody, a renowned evangelist, emphasized the importance of prayer in his sermons. He said, “Prayer is the greatest thing that God has given us. It is the mightiest engine God has put into our hands.” (5) When we pray in faith, we tap into the power of God and allow Him to work miracles in our lives.

The Bible is replete with examples of faith and prayer leading to healing. In Mark 5:25-34, we read the story of a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. She had spent all her money on doctors and treatments, but to no avail.

When she heard about Jesus, she came to Him in faith, touched His garment, and was immediately healed. Jesus told her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34)

In another instance, Jesus healed a blind man named Bartimaeus, who cried out to Him in faith, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47) Jesus responded by saying, “Your faith has healed you.” (Mark 10:52)

These examples demonstrate that faith and prayer are essential components of healing. When we pray in faith, we demonstrate our trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to heal. As James 5:14-15 reminds us, the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well, and the Lord will raise them up.

The power of faith and prayer in healing is a profound truth that is rooted in Scripture. As Christians, we are encouraged to pray in faith, seeking God’s presence and intervention in our lives. When we do, we cooperate with God and allow Him to work miracles in our lives.

**Scripture References:**

* James 5:14-15

* Mark 5:25-34

* Mark 10:47-52

* Matthew 9:22

* Luke 8:48

**Supporting Quotes:**

* Charles Spurgeon: “Faith is the silver thread that weaves the garment of prayer.” (1)

* CS Lewis: “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” (2)

* AW Tozer: “The presence of God is the one thing that can satisfy the soul.” (3)

* Watchman Nee: “Prayer is not a matter of forcing God to do something, but rather it is a matter of cooperating with Him.” (4)

* DL Moody: “Prayer is the greatest thing that God has given us. It is the mightiest engine God has put into our hands.” (5)

**References:**

(1) Spurgeon, C. (1887). The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit. London: Passmore & Alabaster.

(2) Lewis, C.S. (1940). The Problem of Pain. London: Geoffrey Bles.

(3) Tozer, A.W. (1948). The Pursuit of God. Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications.