Prayer and Confession

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” – James 5:16 NKJV

How natural to think first about ourselves! It is a pattern that begins in our first breaths as we scream for basic necessities. We complain about every discomfort and focus on every little problem. This pattern is repeated countless times throughout our lives as we focus on our feelings. Our discomforts. Our pains. Our conflicts. Our problems. Our needs.

This certainly happens when we are sick, when we quickly start thinking about ourselves. Wondering what is wrong, and how we can get better.

But the Bible provides us with a different perspective. In fact, James described two keys to healing that may surprise us: Confession and prayer for others.

The focus on confession is important because this is central to spiritual growth, restoration, and power. The Bible tells us that confession is a key to receiving forgiveness and being cleansed of sin (1 John 1:9).

We need to confess our sins because sin can have an enormous impact on our lives. It can bind us into harmful lifestyles and habits. And it can even block the flow of God’s Spirit and separate us from Him. When we confess our sins, we are freed from its stranglehold. The Bible says that there even is power when this confession takes place “to one another.”

But James also said that we should “pray for one another.” Instead of focusing on ourselves, we are told to pray for others! This focus can help us take our minds off of our own problems, and even help release God’s power in our own lives. It encourages faith.

Today, if you are burdened with physical needs or other problems, think about the Bible’s promise. Confess your sins, and pray for others you know who may be in need. Then, watch to see what God does in your life.

Prayer: Father, I pray for those I know in need: ____________. Thank You for touching them. Reveal any sin in my life. I confess these sins to You. Thank You for freedom! In Jesus’ name. Amen.