40. Why pray? – James 5:13-20
A.S.K. - 40
Read James 5:13-20 and pages 167-170 of A.S.K.
Questions from the Bible reading
1. Why do you think James tells cheerful Christians to sing? (v13)
2. What might be the reason for anointing with oil? (v14)
3. Why is it important to have faith when praying? (v15)
4. What does it mean to call a man “righteous”? (v16)
5. Why did Elijah pray for rain not to come, and then pray the opposite? (v17, 18)
6. In what way could a Christian “wander from the truth”? (v19)
7. Why does turning someone from their sins save them from death? (v20)
8. Draw a picture, or write a summary, of an ill Christian being visited by the elders of the church. (v14-16)
Questions from the book
1. What is a mistaken way to think of prayer?
2. What is fatalism and what types of belief are prone to it?
3. What is meant by the “sovereignty of God” and how might it affect a Christian’s prayers?
4. What does the Devil want to do about our praying?
5. What’s a good thing to do with God’s promises in the Bible, and why?
6. Write a prayer in which a person speaks to the Lord about a bad illness they’re having to deal with.
Questions to do at home
1. Ask a Christian you know to explain the connection between sin and illness.
2. Think about your reply to a friend who says to you, “You say God’s in charge of everything and He’ll do what he wants, so there’s not much point in praying.”
3. Is it ever right for a Christian to take a break from praying for a while?