James 5:13 – Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
In what circumstances do you pray? Do you only pray when times are tough and you are going through something? Or do you pray about other things as well.
Today and tomorrow’s verses both encourage us to pray in more circumstances than just when we are in need. But I admit. It is hard to remember to pray about the good stuff and give thanks, unless it is immediately after something good has happened. For example, it is easy to say, “Thank You, God, for this surprise check that came in the mail JUST when I needed it.” But days or weeks later, do we still say thanks or recognize other blessings in our lives?
James reminds us to pray when we are in trouble. That’s easy. I am sure we all do that by default.
He also tells us to sing songs of praise when we are happy, which we have learned is a form of prayer. We have a complete book of songs that are prayers – the book of Psalms. And in the psalms we see both types of prayers James speaks of. Psalm 50:15 tells us to call on God in our days of trouble. Psalm 95:2 reminds us to make a joyful noise to Him in song.
But we see it is more than just the book of Psalms. Isaiah 65:14 speaks of both shouting for joy as well as crying with a broken spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:15 speaks of praying with our spirit and mind as well as singing with both. And in Colossians 3:16 we see that we should sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts.
If praise and thanksgiving are not a part of your normal prayer routine, try to take some time starting today to add those in. And strive to make it a habit every time you pray.
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