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Call to worship: Psalm 32

As we step away from the book of Philippians (but not its message to the Church!), we reflect on the value of prayer-filled discipleship.

Prepare

Questions to consider: 1. In verse 13, how do suffering and celebration distort or purify our prayer lives? Is prayer our first response in suffering? In celebration? True solace and joy are in Christ. Do our hearts know and long for this? 2. In verses 14-15, prayer brings healing, so why are elders to anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord? What might anointing with oil signify/symbolize, especially in light of OT anointing of priests and kings? Also, what does this show us about the role of elders as “under-shepherds” (1 Peter 5:1-4) and about Jesus as the ultimate shepherd? 3. What is the “prayer of faith”? A biblical understanding of faith (including covenant love and relationship with God) is essential. See also James 1:5-8 (praying for wisdom without divided allegiance) and examples of Jesus seeing faith before healing (Mt. 9:28; Lk. 5:20; Mk. 9:24). What about unanswered prayer (2 Cor. 12:8-10; Lk. 22:42)? 4. In verses 15b-16, sin is a possible cause of physical (and spiritual) sickness (cf. Ps 32). How should this be addressed according to the passage? Notice how the ministry of prayer has expanded from a focus on the elders to the whole church. 5. Why might James use this story from Elijah’s life (1 Kings 17:1; 18:41-45) instead of more spectacular stories like fire coming from heaven or raising the widow’s son? What was the reason God withheld and later gave rain? 6. From verses 19-20, how do we do at keeping our eyes out for the wandering soul? Will we go after him or her in prayer and word and deed? How does this picture the gospel to the world? 7. Overall, notice the corporate focus of much of the passage and how prayer is vital to the health and building up of the body. Is prayer an integral part of our personal lives? Our church life?