Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 117

April 27;    James 5:16;    117/260(II);    ‘Prayer Heals’

 James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Concerning confessing your sins, let us spend a little time here.  As Christians, we are to repent of our sins and confess our sins to the Lord.  The specifics of this verse concerning confessing our sins could be asking forgiveness from someone we have offended.  Sins of this type could hinder our faith as we seek healing.  If you are seeking healing by going to those who specifically are praying for those in need of healing, it is greatly beneficial to confide in them any sins that may have ‘opened the door’ for this sickness or the devil could use to condemn you.  Intercessors might even ask before they pray if there is any guilt caused by sin, that could hurt your receiving.  Regardless, ‘clear the air.’  The Lord wants you well, there is no condemnation for you as a Christian, so keep that ‘faith channel’ wide open so that when the prayer for healing is made, you will receive.  This verse is also teaching us that the prayers of a Christian are very powerful.  Healing is a blessing that belongs to every believer.  Attend a healing service in a church where the Word of God is believed and taught that Jesus is the Healer.  Make sure you have that ‘clean slate,’ removing any sin and then agree with those who lay hands on you that you are healed.  The Bible says you are.  As time goes on, your faith in the Word and the healing power of the Holy Spirit will mature you to the point where you can stand on your own spiritual feet against sickness, knowing you have a right as a beloved child of God to be well.  The Lord  who has begun a good work in you wants to mature you in the Word, as you allow Him to.