REFLECTIONS: Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.1. Think of a time when you were sure God had heard your prayer. How has this confidence strengthened your faith? The Word of God is alive and full of power. It is active, operational, energizing and effective. This is why we must obey His Word and do those things He tells us to do. Prayer is the living Word in our mouth. God will move as we pray in faith and obey His commandments. Your prayers will be hindered if there is unforgiveness in your heart. God is not obligated to answer the prayers of those who have unresolved matters in their hearts against another person. Many prayers remain unanswered due to lack of forgiveness. You can't have hate in your heart or that old "get even" mentality in your heart if you want to have an effective prayer life DISCOVERY: Explore your Bible reading by discussing these questions?2. How does prayer make a difference in the lives of men?3. What should church elders do for someone who is sick? Why? TEACHER TEXT: James 5,14-15 Paul asks the question: «Is there anyone sick among you? Call for the elders of the church..." The elders of the church referred to here are the men who are ministers and leaders in the church. We must not forget that the early church had many men, men who were not ashamed of take the lead in their expressions of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Women were also very involved in the work of the church, but very few were leaders and ministers of the church were called to pray for them and anoint the sick with oil. They would both of these things in the Name of the Lord. That is, they know that only the Lord is the Healer of every disease. There is a disease that goes... half of the paper... just like we do flaws and shortcomings of each of us. James is driving home the point that Elijah, even though he was a prophet of God, prayed to a man (a man with human frailties just like ours). Yet Elijah (the man) prayed so that it would not rain, and it did not rain for three years and six months. Then he prayed for rain, and it did. The point is this: prayer: sincere and fervent prayer is effective; works. The prayer of a righteous man (a believer) will produce the power, the power of God, to get the job done. THINKING AND DISCUSSION6. What is oil a symbol of?7. Why should we confess our faults to each other?8. What circumstances beyond our control can we influence through prayer?9. How did others help you when you were adrift in your relationship with Christ?10. What prevents men from praying with confidence?