"One Way Te Be Healed"

Dr. Dorothy J. Haire

Whether you are physically or mentally ill, the following method for healing is a viable option you may want to seriously consider. 

In James 5:14-16a, James, the brother of Jesus, offers an action plan for healing. It should be noted that it is not the only way to be healed, but it is a time-tested one. I have used this method and been healed.

James asks, “Is anyone among you sick?” (James 5:14a). The sick, weak, homebound person should call for the elders of the church to come to pray for him. This would also apply to those in the hospital, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, etc.

James taught that the sick person should “call for the elders (the spiritual leaders)” (James 5:14b, Amplified Bible). Today’s “Elders” would be ordained members of the presbytery: bishops, pastors, deacons, elders, and ministers (depending on the denomination). However, many larger churches establish specific groups that are trained to visit the sick (for example: The Missionary Society or The Sick and Shut-In Ministry).

James taught that the elders should perform two acts when they visit the sick:

1. “Pray over him” (James 14c). The prayer should be biblically accurate, reflecting the will and ways of God revealed in the Holy Scriptures.

2. “Anointing him with oil in the Lord’s name” (James 5:14d). The Parable of the Good Samaritan gives a biblical example of the medicinal use of oil (Luke 10:34). If you are not familiar with this story, take the time to read it soon. Note: Being anointed with oil is not a substitute for taking your doctor-prescribed medication.

James explained what the faith-filled prayer of the elders will accomplish: “And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]” (James 5:15-16a, Amplified Bible). Warren W. Wiersbe offers clarity on these verses:

“We confess our sins first of all to the Lord (1 John 1:9), but we must also confess them to those who have been affected by them. We must never confess sin beyond the circle of that sin’s influence. Private sin requires private confession; public sin requires public confession. It is wrong for Christians to ‘hang dirty wash in public,’ for such ‘confessing’ might do more harm than the original sin.”

God is still in the healing business in the 21st century! When the elders pray in faith and you ask for forgiveness for any continued sins that may have contributed to your illness, expect to be healed. Keep in mind that this is just one way that God heals. Don’t lock Him in. I pray that you experience God’s healing virtue today!

Dorothy J. Haire

Pastor Emeritus, Speaker, Teacher, Writer

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