Praises & Prayers

“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” — (James 5:13–14, NRSVUE)

Each week in our service, we share a time called Praises & Prayers. It’s simple, but it’s become one of the most honest moments of our worship. People name where they’ve seen God at work in the past week. It doesn’t have to be dramatic—though we’ve seen God move in ways that take our breath away. 

Most often, it’s a quiet acknowledgment that God is the source of every good thing. We haven’t had anyone break into song during this time yet, but if the Spirit nudges someone, we’ll make room. 

And alongside the praises, we lift up the things that weigh on our hearts. Sometimes it’s a request for someone we love, sometimes for ourselves, sometimes a private ache, sometimes a concern we carry together as a church.

This is the rhythm James is naming. Gratitude and need. Praise and prayer. We give thanks for all God has done, and we hand over our concerns in faith, trusting God’s healing and mercy. James reminds us that faith is not a solo act. 

In verse 14, he turns our attention to the corporate life of the church: we are called to pray with and for one another, to hold each other’s burdens and joys before God. We express this care in many ways—sometimes through a gentle hand on a shoulder, sometimes with anointing oil, sometimes simply by showing up and sitting close. The form matters less than the faithfulness. What matters is that no one stands alone.

The church is at its best when we live this out: when we celebrate God’s goodness together and when we entrust our wounds, fears, and hopes to the God who heals. Praises & Prayers isn’t just a moment in the service; it’s a picture of who we are called to be—the everydayness of our faith—a community that listens, lifts, and loves in the name of Christ.

Holy God, teach us to praise you with honest hearts and to pray with steady faith. Knit us together as a people who carry one another’s joys and burdens, trusting your mercy in all things. Let our life together be a witness to your healing love. Amen.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Tim