James moves from personal prayer to shared prayer. Someone is sick, and James does not tell that person simply to pray harder by themselves. He says to call others. Let the leaders of the church come alongside. Let them pray. The picture James gives us is of a community where people do not have to carry suffering alone.

That can be difficult for us because asking for prayer means admitting that we need help. It is often easier to say, “I’m fine,” even when we are anything but fine. We may worry about becoming a burden, appearing weak, or allowing someone else to see what is really happening. But Christian community was never intended to be a gathering of people pretending they have everything together. Because of Jesus, the church can become a family where weakness does not have to be hidden. We all come to Jesus because we need grace. No one stands at the cross because they were strong enough to save themselves.

James specifically talks about sickness, and he encourages the church to pray with expectation. We should still do that. When someone is sick, we can ask God to heal. We do not need to be embarrassed to ask God for something supernatural. Jesus healed people throughout His earthly ministry, and He is still Lord. At the same time, our faith is not in our ability to produce a particular outcome. Our faith is in Jesus. Sometimes God brings healing in this life. Sometimes, He gives strength to endure. Ultimately, because Jesus died and rose again, every follower of Jesus has the promise of resurrection and a day when sickness and death will finally be gone.

Notice that James says, “the Lord will raise them up.” The attention belongs on the Lord. Other Christians are not the source of the power; God is. That means you do not need to find someone who knows a secret kind of prayer. You need followers of Jesus who will faithfully bring you to Him. Sometimes you may be too tired, frightened, or discouraged to know what to pray. In those moments, other believers can carry the words with you.

It’s okay to tell someone the truth. “I need prayer.” Or perhaps someone has already told you they are struggling. Instead of saying, “I’ll pray for you,” and moving on, simply ask, “Can I pray for you right now?” It may only take thirty seconds, but shared prayer reminds us that Jesus has not only given us Himself; He has also given us one another. We are not meant to follow Him alone.