Prayer for the Sick

Overview

• Testament: New
• Book: James
• Chapters: James 5:13-18
• Summary: James calls the suffering, cheerful, sick, and sinful to respond with prayer, praise, confession, and elder care.

Details

James directs the sick to call for the elders, who pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. He also widens the passage to mutual confession and intercession, concluding with Elijah as an example of fervent prayer that God answered.

Key People Involved

• James (Brother of Lord) - Author
• The Elders - Called to pray over the sick
• Elijah - Example of effective prayer

Cross-References

• Prayer - Canonical theme of speaking with God
• Hannah’s Prayer - Prayer in affliction
• Elijah - Prophet whose prayers affected rain

Notes

This is the New Testament’s clearest passage on elder-led prayer and anointing for the sick.