In chapter 1.5-8, James tells us to pray wisdom to know how to mature in Christ using the challenges in our lives. That is an unexpected way to pray about our struggles but James tells us it is a prayer that God is keen to answer. In chapter 3.13-18 he tells us what the wisdom … Continue reading Lessons in prayer from James (4)
Lessons in prayer from James (3)
James points out many gaps in our lives. Gaps between the outward show and the inner reality (1:12-18), our love of God and our respect for people (2:1), our faith and our works (2:14), our words in prayer and our words about and to others (3:1-12). James wants us to work at closing the gaps, but from the examples he gives (2:14-26), we know he is not … Continue reading Lessons in prayer from James (3)
Lessons in prayer from James (2)
In the letter of James, words matter deeply. Words are works that express our character to others and our relationship with God (1:19, 3:1-12). But it is what James calls the ‘implanted word’ (1:21) that is the foundation we build our lives as Christians. The implanted word is the word of God lived out in … Continue reading Lessons in prayer from James (2)
Lessons in prayer from James (1)
James teaches us a lot about prayer in his letter to the churches. His first point is that we can pray for wisdom from God to deal with the struggles we face in life (1:5). James is confident that God will answer this prayer and that we do not have to be perfect people before … Continue reading Lessons in prayer from James (1)
St John’s West Brunswick 