Pray in all circumstances

Major Rachel Tickner presents the second of two studies linked to the Annual Appeal

STUDY PASSAGE: JAMES CHAPTERS 3 TO 5

WE want more preachers and teachers, but James says we should not presume to be them (3:1 and 2). Put someone on a pedestal, and it is easy to knock them off. Let someone preach and we can sit and criticise. Let someone teach and we can pick holes in their manner, deportment or knowledge. We need to ask the Lord to guide and support our teachers and preachers and protect them from all evil in order that they may serve him.

Continuing with the theme of the tongue, we learn that it is the little things in life that make a big difference – the bit that turns the animal, the rudder that steers the ship, the tongue that reveals the whole person, that cheers or corrupts others. The tongue with which we can do evil is also the instrument with which we praise God and comfort, inspire and encourage others (3:3–12).

It is easy to envy another his good fortune, but our ambition for the Kingdom may turn to ambition and honour for self or family. James reminds us of two kinds of wisdom (3:13–18). Our wisdom should be the kind that comes from Heaven, which is ‘first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere’ (v17 all quotations from New International Version).

James is so very practical; he reminds us that human nature hardly changes over the centuries. Could he have known how relevant his words were for those quarrels in our church? And he explains with delightful simplicity why ‘ask and receive’ does not always happen – we ask with the wrong motives (4:3).

That can explain so much, but to call us adulterers... (4:4). Well, we are either faithful towards God or – using an Old Testament idea – we are adulterous.

James seems to balance so many ideas: Listening and Doing, Faith and Works and Two Wisdoms. Even if 4:1–12 is entitled Submit Yourselves To God, he is saying it is a choice – the world or God – and that we should therefore submit ourselves to God.

In the UK, doting parents recognise their children as very bright and are proud of them (their teachers may not agree). However, while I was in East Africa, I found that humility is important.

Peace in our office was shattered one day by two little boys causing noisy havoc. Sponsorship forms were brought in describing one lad as a ‘very humble boy’. What joy to see the boy, the description and the love that clouds judgment!

We are not so familiar with humility as a virtue, but the teaching is clear: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’ (4:6) and ‘Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up’ (4:10; see also Proverbs 3:34).

It appears to be our role to be humble, and God’s gift to lift us up. So it follows that we should trust the future to the Lord: ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ (v15).

Chapter 5 begins with a warning to rich oppressors. Is it a prophecy against our own generation? Verses 1 to 6 are surely applicable to our questionable finance trade and the sweatshops in countries distant from our own. I cannot resist a bargain, and at the time do not always think of children who are not in school or people who work in unhealthy conditions. We are so blessed by those who introduced Fairtrade, enabling us to buy ethically.

The idea of patience in suffering or perseverance is expanded in verses 7 to 12. This concludes with a biblical command not to swear by Heaven or earth but ‘Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No” be no, or you will be condemned’ (v12).

The Book of James concludes with The Prayer of Faith (5:13–20). This is an exhortation to pray in all circumstances – happy or sad, sick or sinful. Our joining in prayer is also encouraged; verse 16 reminds us to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other.

It is difficult to believe that Elijah was human like us (v17) because we know him to be an Old Testament hero, and his prayers were incredible. Maybe it is good to acknowledge before the Lord when he has heard and answered our own prayers.

So we conclude a brief sweep of the very practical letter of James. He says what we need to hear and act upon.

Often when we read Scripture one verse leaps off the page, as the Lord says: ‘This is for you.’ Think on this verse. Write it out. Use calligraphy, WordArt or cross stitch, and let it be an encouragement for you and others who may see it in the following days and months.

• Major Tickner is Child and Family Care Services Officer at THQ