Spiritual Warfare: 'Elders' Prayers Are Powerful'

God's Power for Our Battles — Saturday, June 27, 2026

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
— James 5:14-15 NLT

Today's Prayer

Lord, I need Your healing. Forgive me for overlooking this avenue of fighting against sickness: prayer plus anointing oil. Though it might seem petty and useless, Lord, help me to have the faith to obey You anyway. My human nature yells that this is just symbolic or silly, but my spirit wants to obey Your instructions and fulfill this act of faith. Put elders around me who are also men of faith. Lead me to obedience even though it doesn’t make sense from a physical standpoint. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

7 Related Resources by Heartlight

James 5:15
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven."
It Is Not News
Article by Steve Ridgell
God is the One who heals his people. Science is now discussing whether faith helps in healing. Christians already know the answer to that. He does.
Focusing on Prayer
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, Prayer is one of the most precious gifts you have received as the Father's child! One of the reasons I sent the Holy Spirit to you was...."
Living My MUSD #5: Shared Prayer through Interceding Personally
Article by Phil Ware
Even when confined to our houses and limited in our travels and frustrated with social distancing, we still have the incredible ability to pray for others. Phil Ware opens the New Testament and reminds of a great way to live out our mission while under social distancing, prayer because prayer has always been a virtual way of blessing others.
See All 7 Related Resources about James 5:14-15

Illustration

Illustration of James 5:14-15 NLT — Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, June 27, 2026

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Stop!' (Jn. 5:14-15)
"[About the man who had been healed, John wrote:] But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Discipline in Truth' (1 Co. 5:1-8)
"Dear Father, who disciplines us for our own good, Save your church from the sexual perversions that are taking place in our society. Let us show your..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Promise, Not Possession' (Acts 7:2-8)
"[Stephen replied to his accusers by speaking about Abraham's faith]: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. Our glorious God appeared to our ancestor..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Hosea 10:12
"This month of April is said to derive its name from the Latin verb aperio, which signifies to open, because all the buds and blossoms are now opening,..."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare