James 5:16 NKJV
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James exhorted the church to be open and honest about shortcomings and pray for one another so healing can take place. He also said when a righteous man prays fervently and effectively much is accomplished. In order to pray effectively we must pray in faith according to God’s Word which is His will. We cannot openly tell all our shortcomings because there are different levels of maturity in the church. We could end up with a mess as gossipers would have a field day with our private information. However, there should be someone we trust in the church to confess our faults to who would pray for us and help us be restored and healed. Some things we can handle alone between us and the Lord. Other things need to be share and have someone pray over or else we will not overcome. We need to get God’s help on discerning the difference. Also we must see the value of prayer for as James said, when we the righteous ones pray with intensity and faith answers to prayer will occur. Let us pray.