Context: James 5:12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation…James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
From the lexicon: Afflicted=experiencing painful hardship (suffering) that seems to be a “setback” but really isn’t. Pray=to interact with the Lord by switching human wishes (ideas) for His wishes as He imparts faith Merry=in good cheer. Sing=make music.
Pulling it together: James 5:13 instructs us believers in Christ to pray, i.e., take the matter to our Heavenly Father and exchange our wishes on the matter for His. Biblical prayer is adopting His perspective, seeing the issue for what it is–only the illusion of a setback in His master plan. The second half of the verse reminds us that as God answers our prayer, lifting our hearts, we are not to neglect to praise Him.
We so easily get distracted and try to handle things ourselves (v.12). We make oaths, deals, with men and even with God. This is acting in pride, rather than doing what God says–pray. There is none mightier than He. Also, note how powerful prayer and praise is. Verse 16 puts it this way: The Effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man (one that has been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb) availeth much.
Lord, I pray for grace, to pray, seeking Your perspective on all the circumstances that trouble me. I pray that I may not see them as setbacks, but as Your working in me bringing me good. Fill my heart with song all my day.