Steve is my medical doctor. That’s common. Most of us have a medical caregiver that we visit when our body goes awry.

My doctor is very skilled. He is also a friend. When I step into his office we spend as much time talking about our lives as we do going over my medical condition.

My ministry travels take me to parts unknown. During those travels I pick up bugs that take away my energy, make me sneeze or worst of all make my voice disappear. Since I am a speaker, losing my voice is a huge problem.

On one trip I was a long way from home, a bug was creeping after my throat. I called Dr. Steve and explained my symptoms. He diagnosed the problem instantly.

What’s great about Dr. Steve is his concern.  He keeps me healthy for the ministry. He is a delightful cheerleader.

Over the years he knows that I am not a hypochondriac. Rather, I am the typical guy who waits to the last desperate moment to ask for help. In fact if I miss a regular check up he has called my private number just to chat and then casually reminds me that we need to get together.

That kind of familiar care is special. I am a regular customer to Dr. Steve. He knows me. That connection gives me a feeling of confidence and certainty.

James takes this same kind of familiarity and applies it to his instruction on prayer. He teaches us that when we are experiencing troubles we should pray. Take those difficulties to God.

Or when troubles are absent and we are happy we should still go to God in prayer. God loves to hear from His children when their lives are filled with joy. Celebration is as much a part of prayer as pleas for help.

Of course when tragedy visits prayer is expected. The faith learned in the routine of life will fuel those prayers. God promises to answer, to care and to bring healing when prayers offered in faith are given.

At the heart of James’ instruction is something about prayer that we should remember. God has a way of blessing his regular customers. Those who come to God in prayer for everything, forge a relationship that prepares us for those really tough times. God knows us. We know Him. Come to Him often for everything.

James 5.13-16

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