"Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14).
In the same way that one might naturally sing when they are happy or pray when they are struggling, the sick should call for the elders of the church. The word "elder" simply means "older ones". Elders might be the oldest ones in terms of age or they might just be the ones that have been around the church the longest. Perhaps they are the ones who have been Christians the longest. Regardless of how they became older, they are clearly the ones that have the most experience. These "experienced" ones are who you should call when you are sick. Now lets say that you are at work and one of your coworkers has a severe headache. Should you pray for them? Of course! You are the elder in this case. In fact, if anyone ever asks you to pray for them--they have asked you to take the role of elder in their life. Pray!
The oil is a biblical symbol of healing--no magical properties--just a good symbol. However, if you're going to pray for healing, you might as well use the biblical symbol and anoint the person you are praying for with oil, if you can. Do this in the name of the Lord--because it is Jesus who heals. Now if you are wanting to pray for someone and you don't have any oil handy--pray anyway!
Today, look for invitations to join Jesus in His ministry of healing. Boldly approach the sick and ask if you can pray for them. If nothing happens, they are no worse off. If healing happens, then God is glorified! Step out in faith and give it a try today!
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