Waiting Like a Farmer While Praying for One Another
(James 5)
The apostle James wrote a letter to believers who were scattered far from home. He had important things to tell them about living as followers of Jesus. First, he gave a strong warning to rich people who were hoarding their money and cheating their workers. He said their gold and silver would rust and eat their flesh like fire. Their unfair wages cried out to God.
Then James turned to the believers who were suffering and told them to be patient. He said, "Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord comes." He told them to look at a farmer. A farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth. He is patient until the early and late rains come. Just like a farmer cannot make the crops grow faster, believers must wait for God's timing. James reminded them that the prophets who spoke in the Lord's name were examples of patience. He also mentioned Job, who endured terrible suffering and yet saw the Lord's compassion and mercy.
Then James gave practical instructions about prayer. He said, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise." He told the believers to pray in every situation. If someone was sick, they should call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith would save the sick person, and the Lord would raise them up. If they had committed sins, they would be forgiven. James also said, "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.
James gave a powerful example: Elijah. Elijah was a man just like us, but he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three and a half years. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. This shows that God hears the prayers of His people. Finally, James encouraged the believers to restore anyone who wandered from the truth. Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. James wanted his readers to know that God is always ready to hear, forgive, and heal.
A Curious Question
Why do you think God wants us to pray for each other when we are sick, instead of just healing us right away?
Old Testament Connection
James connects the power of prayer to the prophet Elijah, whose story is found in 1 Kings 17 and 18. Elijah prayed and God stopped the rain for three and a half years. Then Elijah prayed again and God sent rain. This shows that God's people have always been able to call on Him in prayer. James also mentions Job, who suffered greatly but trusted God. Job's story in the Old Testament teaches that God is compassionate and merciful, even when we do not understand our suffering. The same God who answered Elijah and cared for Job is the same God who hears our prayers today.
Discussion Questions
- Why did James tell the believers to be patient like a farmer waiting for rain?
- What does it mean to pray with faith, and how can we do that when we are worried or scared?
- Why is it important to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other?
"So What?" What Can I Do?
- When you are feeling sad or worried, remember to pray instead of keeping it inside. God wants to hear from you.
- When a friend or family member is sick, you can pray for them and even ask a church leader to pray with them.
- If you have done something wrong, tell God about it and also tell a trusted adult. Then pray together and ask God to help you do better.
Memorize God's Word
James 5:16: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
- Therefore confess your sins cup your hands around your mouth as if whispering a secret.
- to each other point to someone next to you, then point to yourself.
- and pray for each other fold your hands in prayer and then open them out to others.
- so that you may be healed place your hands over your heart and then raise them up to God.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you that we can pray to you anytime, anywhere. Help us to be patient like a farmer waiting for rain. Teach us to pray for our friends and family when they are sick or hurting. Forgive us when we do wrong, and help us to forgive others. We know that you hear us and that your power is great. In Jesus' name, amen.
Craft or Activity
Prayer Chain for Healing
Each child will create a paper chain where each link represents a prayer for someone who is sick or in need. They can write names or draw pictures on the links and connect them to form a chain of prayer.
Materials Checklist:
How to Make the Prayer Chain:- Cut the construction paper into strips about 2 inches wide and 8 inches long.
- On each strip, write the name of someone who is sick or needs prayer. You can also draw a small picture or symbol.
- Form the first strip into a loop and glue or tape the ends together.
- Thread the next strip through the first loop and glue the ends to form a second link.
- Continue adding links until your chain is as long as you like.
- Hang your prayer chain somewhere you will see it every day, and remember to pray for each person on the chain.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For Younger Children: Focus on the farmer and the rain. Bring in a small plant or seed to show how waiting is part of growing. Let them practice praying out loud for one simple thing.
For Older Kids: Discuss the connection between Elijah's prayer and our prayers today. Challenge them to think of a time they prayed and saw an answer, or a time they are still waiting.
Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut the paper strips for the prayer chain to save time. Have a list of prayer requests ready for children who cannot think of someone to pray for.
Classroom Management: During the craft, play soft worship music to keep the atmosphere calm and prayerful. Encourage children to work quietly and think about the people they are praying for.