Verse to Abide In
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” James 5:13 ESV
Digging Deeper
From Don Anderson
In essence with those two questions, [James] takes life experiences of sorrow and sadness and of joy and he said “That should not effect our continuous communion with the Father through prayer.”…
What he is saying in essence, is be sure you stay and fellowship and commune with the Lord no matter what happens. Just asking Him to remind you that He is there. And there is some purpose in it. If it’s hard and it’s difficult, that will be revealed at some later date, perhaps not until heaven itself. And then it also helps us when we’re in communion with Him in those dark hours. Always remember the sovereignty of God and that He is there and in total and complete control.
An Illustration
THE TELEPHONE RINGS and it’s your country’s leader. He wants to come by for a visit. While you try not to gasp into the phone, he continues. He hopes to find out if there’s some way he can help you. And he wants to talk personally with you about a project on a scale almost beyond imagining—an undertaking he’d like you to be a part of.
How would you feel after such a call?
“Well,” you say, “I’d feel shocked, a bit intimidated—a bit doubtful about his motives.”
Yes, but wouldn’t you also feel honored? Wouldn’t your life suddenly seem more significant? All your daily strivings a little less humdrum? As you waited nervously for your president or prime minister to visit, wouldn’t you see yourself in a completely different light?
The King of all kings, the Ruler of the entire universe, has also made that call. He wants time with you. He wants you to tell Him about your needs and interests. And He’s asking for your partnership on an immensely important project (31 Days of Prayer: Moving God’s Mighty Hand by Warren & Ruth Myers, Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers. Copyright - Warren & Ruth Myers, 1997. p. 13.)!
Let's Pray
Last week we rejoiced and praised God during our prayer time (I do love how this verse says to “sing praise” not merely to the think or just speak it!). This week, let’s pray for the needs of those who are suffering. You can pray it for yourself and/or someone the Spirit puts on your heart and mind. The foundational Scripture I am in for this one is Colossians 3:1–15.
Abba,
We look at all the things of this earth and turn our gaze away from the needs to look at you, our Provider.
We ask…
We pray…
We give thanks…
We confess any sin…
We give you all the needs…
We trust in you and seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at your right hand.
Right this moment, we set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
We have died, and our life is hidden with Jesus in you.
He is our life!
We look forward to him appearing and to when we get to appear with him in glory!
Help us to be steadfast in putting what is earthly in us to death.
Enable us to be vigilant to praise instead of complain,
to build up and not tear down,
to breathe in your strength
and breathe out our troubles,
breathe in your authority
and breathe out our humility,
breathe in your faithfulness
and breathe out our trust,
breathe in your presence
and breathe out our rest in you,
breathe in your sovereignty
and breathe out your peace in us,
breathe in your love for us
and breathe out our love to you,
breathe in your grace
and breathe out our joy,
breathe in forgiveness
and breathe out our forgiveness for others because we want to be just like you.
We breathe in your sacrifice
and breathe out our love for those whom you also died for,
breathe in your Spirit
and breathe out an eagerness for maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
We breathe in your victory
and breathe out our joy in you.
Thank you.
We trust in you.
You are our hope and confidence.
In the name of Jesus, the Christ who fulfilled all prophecy of our Savior.
Through your Spirit who testifies about the Son. Amen.
May God be your comfort and a comfort to those you hold dear,
Laura
Upcoming Events
Monday, August 31, 2026, 8PM
Boardwalk Chapel Concert
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4312 Boardwalk,
Wildwood, NJ 08260