CVC Family,
Tomorrow night, we will gather as a church family to pray for healing. For the first time (I think ever), our elders will be following James 5:14–16 in a corporate setting—praying over those who are sick and anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. Our elders do this regularly for individuals in private, but our pastors and elders feel a calling from the Lord, especially as we watch the healing ministry of Jesus in Mark, to do this in a corporate setting.
This moment is both sacred and significant. It is not a ritual or a performance. It is an act of obedience and faith, rooted in Scripture and directed toward the God who heals—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As you prepare to participate, here are some biblical principles and practical steps that can help you come ready.
1. Come with Faith—And Honesty About Your Need
James writes, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him.” (James 5:14).
At CVC, we take this passage seriously. While we believe in the goodness of doctors and medicine, we also believe that God invites His people to seek spiritual healing through prayer.
Healing prayer begins with humility and faith—acknowledging that we cannot fix ourselves. Whether your illness is physical, emotional, or spiritual, come tomorrow ready to ask the Lord for His mercy and power. He may heal instantly, gradually, or ultimately in eternity—but He always meets those who come in faith.
2. Prepare Your Heart Through Confession and Repentance
James continues, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed” (5:16).
Not all sickness is the result of sin (see John 9:1–3), but Scripture is clear that unconfessed sin can hinder prayer and healing. Before you come tomorrow, take time alone with God to examine your heart. I hope that you’re fasting to some degree in preparation for tomorrow. Leveraging one of your meal times today or tomorrow for reflection and confession would be wise.
Use Psalm 139:23–24 as your starting point:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Pastor Rick has reminded us that this process is not about self-condemnation—it’s about freedom. Ask God to reveal specific areas of sin, and confess them honestly to Him. If He brings to mind someone you’ve wronged, seek forgiveness or make things right before the service.
3. Consecrate Yourself to God’s Purposes
When the elders anoint with oil, it is a sign of being set apart for God’s special attention and purposes (Mark 6:13). In the Old Testament, anointing symbolized consecration—a visible reminder that a person belonged fully to the Lord.
Before you come, ask yourself: Am I willing to give myself wholly to God, regardless of what He does?
Healing prayer is not a transaction—it’s a moment of surrender. We bring our brokenness to Him and declare, “I am Yours.”
This means that we trust that whatever God decides to do is right, good, and best for us.
4. Pray for the Faith of the Elders and for One Another
James says that “the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick.” The passage emphasizes not just the sick person’s faith but the faith of the elders who pray. As you prepare, pray that our elders will be filled with strong faith—that they will believe God is able to do “abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
And as a church, let’s pray for one another. Tomorrow’s gathering is not a private appointment but a family moment before God. Together, we are asking Him to move in power among His people.
5. Trust God with the Outcome and Give Him Glory
We know from Scripture that God does not always heal in the way or timing we desire. Even Paul left Trophimus sick (2 Timothy 4:20) and lived with his own thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).
Our call is not to control the outcome but to obey the invitation. Let me say that again…
Our call is not to control the outcome but to obey the invitation.
We ask boldly and trust completely. As you prepare, ask yourself:
- Will I follow hard after God even if He chooses not to heal me right now?
- Will I still glorify Him, knowing His grace is sufficient?
- Will I give Him praise for whatever He does in me through this time?
- How will I leverage His answers for the expansion of the Kingdom?
Here is a prayer that you can use to launch your times of prayer in the hours ahead.
Lord, search me and know me.
Reveal anything that stands in the way of fellowship with You.
I confess my sin and turn from it.
I surrender myself to You completely—body, mind, and spirit.
Strengthen the faith of our elders and our church family.
And as we come before You tomorrow night, may You receive all the glory-
whether through healing, endurance, or renewed trust in Your grace.
Amen.
Tomorrow night is not about a formula; it’s about faith. And it’s not about spectacle; it’s about surrender. Let’s come expecting God to move—in His way, in His time, and for His glory.
Live New,
Pastor Joe
