Published by Vince Baker Ministries ·
“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:”
James 5:14 · KJV
What does James ask the sick person and the elders to do?
The sick person calls for the elders. They come, pray over the person, and anoint with oil in the Lord’s name. James then speaks about the prayer of faith, forgiveness, confession, and prayer for one another. The instructions bring prayer and personal care together. Someone who is ill can ask for help without taking on the role of organizing their own recovery.
What is the relationship between the oil and the prayer?
Mark 6 records the Twelve anointing sick people with oil, and James gives elders a specific practice of prayer. In James the Lord is the one who raises up the sick. The oil accompanies prayer. The passage gives a church a way to act in faith and compassion while supporting someone through the uncertainty of illness.
Ask for care plainly
Read James 5:13–16. If you want prayer, tell a church elder what kind of visit or support would help. Continue appropriate medical care, and let the church know if practical help would ease a burden.
Read the Scripture passages
- James 5:14 · KJV
- James 5:13-18 · KJV
- Mark 6:7-13 · KJV
- Acts 3:11-16 · KJV
- 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 · KJV
