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As James nears the end of his letter, he does so in a way similar to how he started it—with trials or, in this passage, seasons of various kinds. The issue that James presses upon his readers here is, “Are your responses to life’s various seasons marked by prayer and a Godward orientation?” And that is a vital question to ask as we look to rightly apply the truth of this text to our lives.

When we suffer in various ways, have we made it a priority and practice to bring these circumstances to the Lord in prayer (v. 13)? Have we made it a priority and practice to sing God’s praises when we are cheerful (v. 13)? Have we made it a priority and practice to reach out to our fellow members and our pastor in the midst of weakness to pray for and with us (vv. 14-15)? Have we made it a priority and practice to, when needed, confess our sins one to another and pray together so that we might both restore others and be ourselves restored to spiritual health (v. 16)?

In short, do we navigate the seasons of life prayerfully, with a Godward orientation?

When I consider these questions for myself, I feel somewhat pulled in two different directions. On the one hand, the new man and the Spirit within me say, “Yes!” and have a great desire for this to be the increasing pattern of my life! On the other, the pride of my flesh tends to bristle at the thought of the humility, discipline, and transparency necessary for these to be true, active, and increasing in my life. If you’re at all like me, maybe you feel some of that as well.

Together, may we grow and help each other to grow in being an increasingly prayerful people, a praise-filled people, and a confessing people.