- Elders Praying

Background Scripture: James 5
Lesson Scripture: James 5:10-20

Introduction

Although Father’s Day is observed in many countries of the world, this lesson today is not intended as a tribute to fatherhood alone. Praying is an important ministry of our elderly, but there is also much wisdom and counsel to be gained by employing their stability and vision. Let us take a fresh look at the responsibilities that rest on the shoulders of elderly, faithful Christians. They have reached the age where the experiences and tests of life have given them a perspective that is of great value. Some of our elderly are no longer bearing the “heat of the noonday” duties of congregational, conference, and family life, and maybe too many aging Christians battle with feeling like they are no longer able to contribute to another’s welfare. Let old and young alike be encouraged with the place elders fill in the church.

Key Verse

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear (Isa. 65:24).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

James’s epistle to the early church is a letter of practical advice for successful Christian living. Some Bible readers have objected to it because it is so candidly direct, but if we accept it in humility, it will prove to be an inspirational help.

It is helpful to remember that the culture of the time in which this was written was less advanced in comparison to today. Scientific explanations for common happenings such as weather events and human ailments were nonexistent. Consequently, there were fewer options for the treatment of serious sickness.

The term “elder” is used in both the Old and New Testaments. It can be a little confusing because of its dual usage. Israelite children were taught to respect and honor those who were older than they. From this practice came the word elder. This respect had a practical basis. Humans learn most effectively from experience. As the years begin to accumulate on a man, his understanding of his experiences becomes more profound, and he is able to extend valuable advice on many different issues in life.

In the governing councils of Bible people, men who had proved their mettle were chosen to lead the people. Hence elder also became a designation of both civil and spiritual leadership. Throughout the New Testament, elder is a common word for those whom we refer to as leadership in the church today. Ministers and deacons fill this place, but our elderly, whether ordained or not, are helping guide the younger by principle and example.

Practical Truths for Today

Christian people, like all people in this fallen world, are subject to afflictions that bring pain, disappointment, and distress. Physical disease and mental, emotional, and spiritual difficulties may plague us. Complicated family relationships, unsuccessful business ventures, or unresolved conflict are other kinds of affliction. In the exhortation to have the elders pray, James does not specify the nature of the affliction nor does he recommend referring to a doctor or other consultant. He simply instructed the believers to ask for prayer.

Some unfortunate sufferers have questioned why they cannot find help in the church for their unique issues. James did not instruct the afflicted one to look for help among family, friends, or knowledgeable people. This does not mean that we should never seek for professional assistance or other help but that we should take an initiative in faith first, calling upon the elders according to the Word of God.

For the setting of a modern healing prayer, many times there is an earnest and sober personal review of everyone involved, especially the one being prayed for. This is in keeping with the scriptural perspective that honest confession, fervency, and prayer are conditions for the promise of healing. James’s assurance that the sick one would be saved could mean being saved from illness or a spiritual deliverance. By example, Jesus often combined both in his healing encounters with people: healing of a physical problem and forgiveness of sins. James went on to conclude that the success of the prayer would include the forgiveness of sins.

Although life expectancy has increased since James’s day, physical illness continues to afflict humans. Modern medical means appear somewhat weak in staving off new disease. Many people realize in times of crisis that their only hope is in turning to God. Requests for prayers for those suffering are in place, and as individuals and congregations pray, God responds.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). This does not refer to a halfhearted, casual, and unconcerned prayer and could remind us of an elder’s sincerity and sobriety. A lifetime of sanctification and endeavoring to walk close to God doubtlessly puts them on heaven’s wavelength.

The realities of the aging process include being released from the time clock and the daily grind. Family responsibilities are being shouldered by the next generation. Spiritual responsibilities including mission, pastoral, and congregational duties have waned. Are the golden years then the golden opportunity to become effectual prayer warriors?

Most of us probably place the prophets on a pedestal and perceive them as having a special power with God. That may be partially true, but in studying the lives of the prophets, many times their humanity shines through. James tells us that Elijah was acquainted with normal temptations and feelings like our own. James, the Lord’s brother, included himself as well as us in experiencing the nature of man. As Elijah had prayed for drought, so he prayed for rain, and the earth was resuscitated by ample precipitation. We should not conclude that God’s power has waned or that spiritual men of bygone days had exclusive access to God’s gifts. They are just as available today through sincere, faithful prayer as they were then.

If the power of God is actually diminished in our time, we need to do some soul searching to find out why. The book of James has a way of stating gospel truths succinctly. To find healing we must confess our faults one to another. Confession should be a way of life, not only to be employed when we are constrained by a physical handicap. The injunction that we should pray for one another is also one that bears repeating. Spiritual needs and conditions are likely far more numerous than physical needs.

Israel enjoyed a golden age during the reign of King Solomon. When he perceived that he was dying, a successor was set in order—his son Rehoboam. As Rehoboam began to feel the weight of this responsibility, he went to the elders who had served his father and asked their advice. The people were suffering from the excesses of Solomon and were hoping for some relief.

The elders’ advice was for him to be sympathetic and kind, promising this would induce loyalty to him. Then he went to his young friends and asked their counsel. He determined to follow their counsel and made the people understand he would be more demanding than his father. The result was a sad, downward spiral in Israel’s history.

We may not always appreciate the perspective furnished by the elders. This is not to say the elders and their perspective is unerring but that their wisdom deserves respect and honest consideration because it is seasoned by experience.

Questions

1. How much difference is normal between the mindsets of older and younger church members?
2. What may be done to encourage a greater love and appreciation between these groups?
3. Has modern medical care made healing prayer obsolete?
4. Discuss what “[hiding] a multitude of sins” is (James 5:20).
5. How are elders productive in their aging years? What if they are unnoticed or ignored? If so, whose fault is it?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).