Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:13-14

This is certainly a recipe for the worshipful prayer life.

Note that we’re not to complain, mope, or get all depressed if we’re suffering. I know, easier said than done. But there’s a reason James wrote what he did.

It’s all about the attitude we bring to life. The bottom line is that it’s a choice we make to not be glum and dour when we’re suffering.

You’d thnk that suffering naturally brings out the depression in people. I mean, it’s not easy living life when you’re in pain.

Our reference point, of course, is Jesus. Recall what He said at the height of His suffering, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Jesus was praying in the mist of his pain.

Similarly, the praise James is talking about is more than a “praise the Lord” on occasion, but an attitude of praise and thankfulness. Equally easier said than done because life gets in the way. However, it is quite rewarding to all who do it.