Community is needed in all seasons of life.  Also, we do well to let others know our prayer requests and needs so they can pray for us and encourage us. Madi winsomely reminds us of this truth. Let’s listen in.

Scripture

Therefore, 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 as it is working.

James 5:16

Video

Transcript

We all need authentic community. That means a trusted group of people who do life alongside us…people who we can share our prayer requests and needs with. This past month I walked through a sweet reminder of the blessings that a community brings. My mom learned that within three weeks she was going to need open heart surgery and it was a pretty scary time for us all. I have a beautiful community in New Braunfels who showered in me in prayers and love in that time when I had to confess how much anxiety I was holding onto through the situation. My community showed me Gods comfort and peace to me while walking through such a scary time. In James 5:16 we read, “Therefore, 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 as it is working.” We know through scripture that to walk in forgiveness, the only thing we have to do is confess to Jesus and believe in Him.

Why do we also confess our struggles to our community? Well James says because the prayers of our believing friends hold great power. Whether we are bringing a prayer request for our mom’s health or confessing the need for help in walking out of a sinful pattern, our community’s prayers are powerful. Bringing things to light and to our community gives our anxiety, fear and worry less power over us! There is something comforting knowing we have a group of believers who are praying alongside us and that God is hearing each prayer. So, let’s walk in authentic community this week, inviting our community to pray for the things in our life that are good, hard or sticky.

Reflect

• What is a key take away from today’s verse?
• What holds you back from bringing your needs and prayer requests to your community?

Camper Corner

Who is someone you can share your prayer requests with this week? Read James 5:16, and ask your parents about how they have seen the power of prayer in their lives.