James 5:13
Verse
Context
The Prayer of Faith
12Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.13Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray - The Jews taught that the meaning of the ordinance, Lev 13:45, which required the leper to cry, Unclean! unclean! was, "that thus making known his calamity, the people might be led to offer up prayers to God in his behalf," Sota, page 685, ed. Wagens. They taught also, that when any sickness or affliction entered a family, they should go to the wise men, and implore their prayers. Bava bathra, fol. 116, 1. In Nedarim, fol. 40, 1, we have this relation: "Rabba, as often as he fell sick, forbade his domestics to mention it for the first day; if he did not then begin to get well, he told his family to go and publish it in the highways, that they who hated him might rejoice, and they that loved him might intercede with God for him." Is any merry? let him sing psalms - These are all general but very useful directions. It is natural for a man to sing when he is cheerful and happy. Now no subject can be more noble than that which is Divine: and as God alone is the author of all that good which makes a man happy, then his praise should be the subject of the song of him who is merry. But where persons rejoice in iniquity, and not in the truth, God and sacred things can never be the subject of their song.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
afflicted--referring to the "suffering affliction" (Jam 5:10). let him pray--not "swear" in rash impatience. merry--joyous in mind. sing psalms--of praise. Paul and Silas sang psalms even in affliction.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Is any among you afflicted?.... As the people of God generally are; they are commonly a poor, and an afflicted people; at least there are many among them that are so, and many are their afflictions: those whom Christ loves, as he did Lazarus, are not free from sicknesses and diseases; and these are rather signs of love than arguments against it; and when this is the case of any of the saints, what is to be done? let him pray; to God that can save him; in the name of Christ; under the influence of the Spirit; believing in the word of promise. Times of afflictions are proper times for prayer; there is then more especially need of it; and God sometimes lays his afflicting hand upon his people, when they have been negligent of their duty, and he has not heard of them for some time, in order to bring them near to him, to seek his face, pay him a visit, and pour out a prayer before him; see Psa 50:15. Is any merry? in good heart and spirit, in a good frame of mind, as well as in prosperous circumstances, in soul, body and estate: let him sing psalms; let him not only be inwardly joyful, as he should be in prosperity, and be thankful to God for his many mercies, temporal and spiritual, he enjoys; but let him express it vocally, and melodiously, by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs: not that these are the only persons that are to sing psalms, or this the only time, any more than that afflicted persons are the only ones that are to pray, or the time of affliction the only time of prayer; but as affliction more especially calls for prayer, so spiritual joy, and rejoicing in prosperous seasons, for singing of psalms: weeping, and singing of psalms, were thought, by the Jews, inconsistent. Kimchi, on the title of the third psalm, observes, that their Rabbins say, that when David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, he wept; and if he wept, why is this called a psalm? and if a psalm, , "why did he weep?"
James 5:13
The Prayer of Faith
12Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.13Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Don't Lose Your Song
By David Wilkerson5.1K49:35OvercomersEXO 15:1PSA 40:3PSA 137:4ISA 12:2ACT 16:25JAS 5:13REV 14:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing one's song, referring to the joy and praise that comes from having a strong faith in God. The speaker reads from Revelation 14:1-5, highlighting the lyrics of the song that believers should hold onto. The song declares that God will come to the rescue, proving all enemies to be liars and providing strength and victory in battles and crises. The speaker warns against murmuring, complaining, and becoming bitter or angry at God, as this can lead to a loss of song and testimony. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's everlasting arms and to learn the lesson of relying on His supernatural grace in every test and trial.
A Life of Victory in the Midst of Troubles
By A.W. Tozer4.5K33:43Victorious LivingJOB 8:8PSA 6:4JAS 5:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and not compromising with the world. He warns against trying to win people over by conforming to their sinful ways, as it will only lead to one's own downfall. The preacher also highlights the practicality and relevance of the Bible, stating that it can guide and support believers in their everyday lives. He uses the example of David, who faced numerous enemies, afflictions, and troubles, to illustrate the challenges that Christians may encounter. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to let their faith impact every aspect of their lives and to remain steadfast in the face of adversity.
Why Do the Righteous Suffer
By David Wilkerson3.8K59:25PSA 34:18ISA 53:4MAT 6:33ROM 12:152CO 1:3JAS 5:131PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal story about a doctor friend who gained sympathy for those in pain after experiencing kidney stones himself. The speaker then mentions his wife, who receives letters from people all over the United States who are suffering from cancer. Despite her own health struggles, she tries to personally respond to as many letters as possible, showing her deep sympathy for those going through similar experiences. The overall message of the sermon is that God has a way of teaching us empathy and compassion through our own trials and challenges.
Bring Back the Glory
By Manley Beasley1.9K42:54GloryEXO 33:18JAS 5:13In this sermon, the preacher, Brian, discusses the importance of bringing back the glory of God. He shares that he recently preached a message on worship and got carried away with his passion. He reads a passage from the Book of James, specifically James 5:13, which talks about praying in times of affliction and singing psalms in times of joy. Brian emphasizes that the prophet's prayers in the passage resulted in both drought and rain, highlighting the power of prayer. He also mentions the prevalence of subjectivism in Baptist churches and offers a longer tape on the topic for those interested.
The Position of Power
By Jim Cymbala1.7K35:32PowerPSA 50:15MAT 5:44LUK 6:27ROM 12:14JAS 5:13In this sermon, Pastor Jim Simba emphasizes the importance of prayer in our lives. He acknowledges that Satan tries to distract and cut us off from our supply line, which is prayer. He encourages the congregation to pray and seek God's help, as prayer has the power to change lives in just 60 seconds. Pastor Simba also highlights the need for a spirit of prayer in the church and urges everyone to prioritize prayer over busyness and distractions. He shares personal experiences of how prayer has brought breakthroughs and encouragement in his own life.
Psalm 23:2-3
By Carl Armerding1.2K52:57RestorationPSA 23:2MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MRK 6:31JHN 10:11HEB 11:32JAS 5:13In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and weariness of life, particularly in the context of raising children. They mention their own mother's experience with ten children and how they were not always well-behaved. The speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual refreshment and protection for children in a world filled with negative influences. They draw on the imagery of peaceful waters and the Holy Spirit to highlight the soothing and transformative power of God's Word. The sermon concludes with a song that speaks of finding strength and trust in Jesus through all trials and difficulties.
God's Commands Are for Our Good (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen1.1K57:10PRO 4:20MRK 8:34LUK 19:1JAS 5:13This sermon delves into the importance of wholehearted discipleship, emphasizing the need to deny oneself, pick up the cross, and follow Jesus. It explores the concept of saving one's life by losing it for Christ's sake, warning against gaining the world but losing one's soul. The speaker highlights the value of the soul, the consequences of sin, and the importance of obeying God's word for both spiritual and physical health. Through the story of Zacchaeus, the sermon illustrates the transformative power of repentance and obedience to God's commands.
James on Sickness, Suffering, & Wandering (James pt.12)
By Shane Idleman1032:38Accountability in FaithHealingJAS 5:13Shane Idleman discusses the themes of sickness, suffering, and wandering from faith in his sermon on James 5. He emphasizes the importance of prayer during times of suffering and the role of the church in healing through confession and anointing with oil. Idleman warns against the dangers of wandering from the truth and highlights the need for accountability within the Christian community to help restore those who have strayed. He also addresses the connection between sin and physical ailments, urging believers to seek repentance and return to God. Ultimately, the message encourages a deeper relationship with God through prayer and community support.
Practical Prayer
By A.B. Simpson0The Power of PrayerPractical Application of Faith2SA 5:19PSA 34:17PRO 3:6ISA 30:15JON 2:71TH 5:16JAS 1:5JAS 5:13JAS 5:161PE 3:12A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of practical prayer in everyday life, illustrating how prayer can guide us in our daily affairs, provide wisdom, and bring healing. He highlights that prayer is not just for personal needs but also for the benefit of others, encouraging believers to pray fervently and expectantly. Simpson shares biblical examples, such as David and Ezra, to demonstrate how prayer can lead to divine intervention in trials and challenges. He also stresses the importance of prayer in times of joy and sickness, reminding us that prayer is a powerful tool for both personal and communal healing. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to prayer as a means of connecting with God and serving others.
A Discourse on Singing of Psalms as a Part of Divine Worship.
By John Gill0WorshipSinging PsalmsJOB 38:6PSA 66:1PSA 67:3PSA 95:1PSA 96:1ISA 52:81CO 14:15EPH 5:19COL 3:16JAS 5:13John Gill emphasizes the significance of singing psalms as a vital part of divine worship, arguing that it is a distinct ordinance from prayer and should be performed with both spirit and understanding. He asserts that singing is not limited to the Old Testament but is a moral duty for all believers, rooted in natural religion and the practice of the early church. Gill outlines the nature of singing, the subjects to be sung, and the manner in which it should be performed, encouraging congregational participation and the use of scriptural psalms. He also addresses common objections regarding the practice, affirming its importance in both personal and communal worship. Ultimately, Gill calls for a return to the simplicity and spirituality of psalmody in the church.
Of Singing Psalms.
By John Gill0WorshipSinging PsalmsEXO 15:1PSA 66:1PSA 96:1ISA 52:7MAT 26:30ACT 16:25EPH 5:19COL 3:16JAS 5:13REV 5:9John Gill emphasizes the significance of singing psalms as a vital aspect of public worship, distinguishing it from prayer, giving thanks, and praising God. He argues that singing is a natural and spiritual act that has been practiced throughout history, both by the faithful and even by those outside the faith. Gill highlights that singing should be done with sincerity, understanding, and in a manner that glorifies God, while also addressing common objections to the practice. He asserts that singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is not only a command but a moral duty for all believers, regardless of their circumstances. Ultimately, Gill encourages the church to embrace this form of worship as a means of expressing joy and gratitude to God.
And Chenaniah, Chief of the Levites, Was For
By F.B. Meyer0WorshipJoy in the Lord1CH 15:22PSA 30:11PSA 42:11PSA 95:1PSA 100:1PSA 149:1ISA 61:3EPH 5:19COL 3:16JAS 5:13F.B. Meyer emphasizes the joy of worship and the importance of song in the life of believers, drawing parallels between the carrying of the Ark and the expression of joy in our hearts. He highlights that while some may not be musicians, they can still experience the joy of the Lord and express it through song. Meyer encourages worshiping the will of God, suggesting that as we align our lives with His will, our sighs can turn into songs and our mourning into praise. He calls for believers to embrace the presence of God within them, believing that true paradise lies in conformity to His will. Ultimately, the Ark of God inspires a life filled with song and joy as we practice His statutes.
Sickness and Sin
By Theodore Epp0Role of EldersHealingJAS 5:13Theodore Epp discusses the connection between sickness and sin as outlined in James 5:13-16, emphasizing the role of spiritual leaders in addressing ailments that stem from sin. He explains that the elders are to be called for prayer and anointing with oil, which was a common medical practice of the time, highlighting the importance of combining prayer with known medical treatments. Epp clarifies that while divine healing is possible, the passage encourages the use of medicine alongside faith in God's healing power. He stresses the need for self-examination to avoid judgment, as noted in 1 Corinthians 11:31.
Full of Song
By C.H. Spurgeon0Joy in SalvationCreation's PraisePSA 96:11PSA 100:1PSA 148:1ISA 55:12LUK 19:40ROM 8:19EPH 5:19COL 3:16JAS 5:13REV 5:13C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound joy that comes from the forgiveness of sin, which transforms sorrow into delight and fills creation with music. He illustrates how a renewed heart can awaken the latent melodies of nature, turning mountains, hills, and trees into instruments of praise. The harmony of creation reflects the joy of salvation, as the testimonies of believers resonate with the beauty of God's grace. Spurgeon invites us to experience the world as a grand orchestra, celebrating the joy of reconciliation with God. On this joyful occasion, he encourages us to embrace the tuneful world around us, rich in praise.
James Chapter 8 Practical Prayer
By A.B. Simpson0The Power of PrayerPractical Faith2SA 5:192CH 33:12PSA 50:15PRO 3:6ISA 30:15JON 2:71TH 5:16JAS 1:5JAS 5:13JAS 5:16A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of practical prayer in everyday life, illustrating how prayer connects with wisdom, trials, joy, sickness, and intercession for others. He highlights that prayer is not just for grand occasions but is essential in mundane matters, guiding us through challenges and leading to healing and blessings. Simpson encourages believers to approach God with their needs, no matter how small, and to trust in His power to answer prayers, as demonstrated through biblical examples. He concludes by stressing the importance of fervent prayer for others, which can lead to profound spiritual outcomes.
Profuse Blessings of the Cross
By David Servant0PSA 7:11ISA 53:4ROM 5:1ROM 8:302CO 5:21EPH 1:7COL 1:191TH 1:10JAS 5:131PE 1:181JN 2:21JN 4:10David Servant preaches on the various terms used in the New Testament to describe the benefits of Christ's sacrificial death, including propitiation, justification, reconciliation, redemption, and salvation. He emphasizes that Jesus' death turned away God's wrath, providing deliverance from sin and sickness. The sermon delves into the biblical meanings of these terms, highlighting the importance of faith, repentance, and belief in receiving healing and forgiveness through Christ's atonement.
Eleventh Letter
By Brother Lawrence0PSA 34:17PSA 41:3ROM 8:182CO 12:9JAS 5:13Brother Lawrence preaches about finding strength and comfort in God during times of great pain and suffering, emphasizing the importance of enduring hardships with patience and trust in God's plan. He encourages the listener to view sickness as a means of God's mercy and a way to draw closer to Him, rather than solely as a burden. Brother Lawrence reminds that God is the ultimate Physician of both body and soul, and that true healing comes from trusting in Him above all else.
The Philokalia Volume 1
By Desert Fathers0MAT 4:1MAT 6:331CO 7:32GAL 3:28JAS 5:13Evagrios the Solitary provides teachings on asceticism and stillness in the solitary life, emphasizing the importance of detachment from material things, simplicity in diet, and avoidance of worldly distractions to pursue the blessings of stillness. He highlights the need to resist temptations and thoughts inspired by demons, recognizing their influence on the intellect. Evagrios advises on fasting, vigilance, and taming passions like desire and anger through ascetic practices and acts of compassion. He warns against self-esteem and the dangers of seeking recognition from others, urging humility and sincerity in spiritual pursuits.
Prayer
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual GrowthThe Importance of PrayerISA 55:6HOS 14:2MAT 7:7LUK 18:1JHN 6:37ACT 9:11ROM 8:26PHP 4:61TI 2:8JAS 5:13J.C. Ryle emphasizes the paramount importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, asserting that it is essential for salvation and a hallmark of true faith. He argues that prayer is often neglected despite its necessity, and that a consistent prayer life is crucial for spiritual growth and holiness. Ryle warns that neglecting prayer can lead to backsliding and spiritual stagnation, while diligent prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God and brings peace amidst life's troubles. He encourages believers to approach prayer with earnestness, specificity, and thankfulness, highlighting that true prayer is a heartfelt communication with God. Ultimately, Ryle calls for a revival of prayer in the lives of Christians, urging them to recognize its power and necessity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray - The Jews taught that the meaning of the ordinance, Lev 13:45, which required the leper to cry, Unclean! unclean! was, "that thus making known his calamity, the people might be led to offer up prayers to God in his behalf," Sota, page 685, ed. Wagens. They taught also, that when any sickness or affliction entered a family, they should go to the wise men, and implore their prayers. Bava bathra, fol. 116, 1. In Nedarim, fol. 40, 1, we have this relation: "Rabba, as often as he fell sick, forbade his domestics to mention it for the first day; if he did not then begin to get well, he told his family to go and publish it in the highways, that they who hated him might rejoice, and they that loved him might intercede with God for him." Is any merry? let him sing psalms - These are all general but very useful directions. It is natural for a man to sing when he is cheerful and happy. Now no subject can be more noble than that which is Divine: and as God alone is the author of all that good which makes a man happy, then his praise should be the subject of the song of him who is merry. But where persons rejoice in iniquity, and not in the truth, God and sacred things can never be the subject of their song.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
afflicted--referring to the "suffering affliction" (Jam 5:10). let him pray--not "swear" in rash impatience. merry--joyous in mind. sing psalms--of praise. Paul and Silas sang psalms even in affliction.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Is any among you afflicted?.... As the people of God generally are; they are commonly a poor, and an afflicted people; at least there are many among them that are so, and many are their afflictions: those whom Christ loves, as he did Lazarus, are not free from sicknesses and diseases; and these are rather signs of love than arguments against it; and when this is the case of any of the saints, what is to be done? let him pray; to God that can save him; in the name of Christ; under the influence of the Spirit; believing in the word of promise. Times of afflictions are proper times for prayer; there is then more especially need of it; and God sometimes lays his afflicting hand upon his people, when they have been negligent of their duty, and he has not heard of them for some time, in order to bring them near to him, to seek his face, pay him a visit, and pour out a prayer before him; see Psa 50:15. Is any merry? in good heart and spirit, in a good frame of mind, as well as in prosperous circumstances, in soul, body and estate: let him sing psalms; let him not only be inwardly joyful, as he should be in prosperity, and be thankful to God for his many mercies, temporal and spiritual, he enjoys; but let him express it vocally, and melodiously, by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs: not that these are the only persons that are to sing psalms, or this the only time, any more than that afflicted persons are the only ones that are to pray, or the time of affliction the only time of prayer; but as affliction more especially calls for prayer, so spiritual joy, and rejoicing in prosperous seasons, for singing of psalms: weeping, and singing of psalms, were thought, by the Jews, inconsistent. Kimchi, on the title of the third psalm, observes, that their Rabbins say, that when David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, he wept; and if he wept, why is this called a psalm? and if a psalm, , "why did he weep?"