WORSHIP RESOURCES

Ordinary Time (Proper 21)

James 5:13-20

Let Us Pray for One Another

Additional Scriptures

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22; Psalm 124;
Mark 9:38-50; Doctrine and Covenants 164:1

 

Preparation

This theme lends itself to the sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick. It is suggested to choose between offering the sacrament, perhaps at stations around the room, or a homily on the James scripture followed by a discussion. If choosing the sacrament, make sure the stations and elders are equipped and that they, as well as the congregation, have been prepared for its inclusion in the service.

Prelude

Consider an instrumental prelude that features well-remembered hymns on prayer:

“I Need Thee Every Hour,”
CCS 188;

“Breathe on Me, Breath of God,”
CCS 190;

“Hear Our Prayer, O Lord,”
CCS 196; and

“Sweet Hour of Prayer,”
HS 87.

OR , for streaming, play Casting Crowns’ song, “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (audio only)

CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) Song #7040166. Make sure you have streaming coverage with a CCLIplus license.

Hymn of the Gathering Community

“Bear Each Other’s Burdens"
CCS 374

OR “Lay Your Hands"
CCS 545

Scripture Introit: James 5:13-16 

Welcome

“Let us Pray for One Another,” the scripture from James echoes loudly in our Community of Christ heritage. We gather this day to indeed pray for one another. The hymn “Let Us Pray for One Another” was penned by David Hyrum Smith and initially published in 1870.

The brilliant but troubled poet and painter was the youngest son of Joseph and Emma Smith.

In today’s worship, we will hear his original words filled with his struggles with spiritual darkness, his expectation that he was living in the latter days, and most beautifully his assurance of the Blessings of Community in the entreaty to “Let Us Pray for One Another.”

Sharing Joys and Prayer Concerns

Moment of Silent Prayer

Let us pray for one another.

Call to Worship: Psalm 124:8

Hymn of Praise

“God of Dawn, Each Day’s Renewal"
CCS 51

OR “Praise to the Living God"
CCS 8

OR “Jesu, Tawa Pano /Jesus, We Are Here” Sing several times.
CCS 71

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. 

Opening Prayer

Reading: “Let Us Pray for One Another”

This may be divided among four readers if desired. All four readers in unison could recite the inset phrase at the end of each stanza, “For each other let us pray,” if desired.

Let us pray for one another, For the day is fading fast

And the night is growing darker, While the scourge goes flaming past;

We can see it in the darkness Closing round our narrow way,

And the snares are growing thicker:

For each other let us pray.

We are walking down time’s vista; We are very near the end;

Let us pray that God, the Father, May his guiding Spirit send.

Now the foe becomes more daring Knowing well the latter day,

’Tis the strength of his despairing;

For each other let us pray.

Pray in faith, and pray unceasing, To the God we love and trust,

For our prayers are much availing If we walk upright and just.

Be not weary of exhorting, Heed the lesson of each day;

And that we may be unwavering:

For each other let us pray.

It is waning on toward midnight, Soon we’ll hear the watchman say,

“See! the Son of God is coming; Go and meet him on the way!”

That our lamps may then be burning Bright enough to guide our way,

And that we may share his glory:

For each other let us pray.

—David Hyrum Smith, 1933 Saints’ Hymnal

Prayer for Peace

Scripture for Peace: Mark 9:50

Light the Peace Candle.

Statement

We bring to the world the beacon of a temple dedicated to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the spirit. As emissaries of Christ’s peace, let us be agents of healing for one another.

Healing Prayer of Peace

O great physician,

Heal our wounded hearts and cure our warring minds. Bring peace within and settle our souls. Knit together our bodies in healthy reflection of your image in us. Reconcile us to limitations and satisfy us with the daily blessings of life. Comfort us in the hope of resurrection and new life in your risen Child, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn of Healing and Peace  

“Heal Me, Hands of Jesus”                                                                            
CCS 546

OR “Healer of Our Every Ill”                                                                        
CCS 547

Sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick

Consider arranging in advance for a shared community experience in congregation of the Sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick. Do this only if the circumstances warrant, as this is normally practiced in a private or smaller group setting.

An appropriate circumstance might appear in a congregation where a member is living with a terminal diagnosis; where trauma has struck the community; or where significant grief and illness is perceived. Prayerfully invite the participants in advance to prepare for this experience.

OR Homily and Congregational Discussion

Ask the speaker to prepare a short homily based on James 5:13-20 (a homily provides insight into the meaning of the scripture and relates it to persons’ lives), and then, have the speaker or presider lead the congregations back into small groups to pray and consider questions. Print or project questions for all to see. Questions could include:

• How would you answer James’s questions today: Are you suffering,
• cheerful, sick?
• What connection do you see between the scripture and the Enduring Principle, Blessings of Community?

At the end of the discussion, consider inviting participants to offer brief prayers for one another.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading

All who actively engaged in prayer, discussion, and discernment about important issues in the church’s life are commended for your faithful response. Your disciplined effort to open your lives more fully to God’s Spirit in response to the call to be a prophetic people has become a blessing to the entire church…

                                             —Doctrine and Covenants 164:1, adapted

Statement

It is appropriate to focus our prayerful attention on the temporal needs of Community of Christ. Let us pray for the restoration of and healing of the church in community that we might support more fully the mission of the church in our neighborhoods and around the world.

During this time of Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. We can tangibly express our gratitude to God through our offerings, who is the giver of all.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

If your congregation is meeting online, remind participants they can give through CofChrist.org/give or eTithing.org (consider showing these URLs on screen).

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Theme Hymn: A Hymn of the Blessings of Community

Maurice Draper, who served as a counselor in the First Presidency of Community of Christ, used David Hyrum Smith’s “Let us Pray for One Another” as the basis for a new and loving hymn of the same name. This version was first published in 1981, in Hymns of the Saints. Let us profess our belief in praying for each other in our beloved community by singing his reimagined text. 

“Let Us Pray for One Another"
CCS 186

Statement of Benediction

Then go with conviction into the locations of your discipleship and be the peace of Christ. As you do, you will discover a variety of ways in which spiritual community forms and flows as expressions of the gospel of peace. Trust what is being born. Have faith in divine purposes. Persist in Hope. Amen.

—President Stephen M. Veazey, “Words of Counsel,” April 13, 2019

Postlude

 

 

SERMON AND CLASS HELPS

Year B—Letters

Ordinary Time (Proper 21)

James 5:13–20

 

Exploring the Scripture

Jesus and his first followers were Jewish. Christianity began as a sect of Judaism. Thus, early practices in the Christian church reflected Jewish worship forms, such as prayer and song. Prayer is the common denominator in today’s text. It begins with verse 13: “Are any among you suffering? They should pray.”

James’ church was a praying, singing, and healing church. Healing traditions, however, were complex and confusing. Both Jewish and Gentile healing rituals, often based on superstitions, included magic rites. Also, Jewish law specified purification rites and examination by priests to authenticate healing for diseases like blindness or leprosy. The Christian community struggled with the variety of rituals brought into the early church through diverse cultures and backgrounds. 

James cut through the confusion with a simple rite of anointing and prayer. Anointing with oil had long been used by Jews to symbolize the consecration of kings or prophets, dedication of ritual objects, and preparation for burial. Doctors and healers used oil as a balm for bruises, wounds, and blindness. James stresses the symbolic nature of anointing by specifying the elders (not magicians) should be called, and the anointing should be done in the name of the Lord. This passage forms the Biblical foundation for the Community of Christ sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick. 

For James, wholeness included spiritual healing through forgiveness for sins. It was the right and responsibility of the Christian community to offer the healing balm of confession and forgiveness. Those who are told to confess are the same who are told to forgive and pray for those who have sinned. James’ equality cuts across all facets of life as disciples.

Neither public confession nor using a priesthood member as a confessor is common in Community of Christ. At times it is healing to the community to hear someone who has torn the fabric of society confess. However, sometimes public confession has caused irreparable damage in the lives of individuals and the wider community. Confession can best be understood as prayer, the need for “wisdom from above,” and creating peace within the community (James 3:17–18).

James uses Elijah as an example of the efficacy of prayer (1 Kings 17:1, 18:1, 18:41–45). A prophet from the northern kingdom of Israel, Elijah predicted a drought in the name of Yahweh, countering belief in the Canaanite god of rain, Baal. The drought, and Elijah’s later prayer for rain, dramatized the power of the Israelite God Yahweh over rain and harvest. James is clear that God ended the drought, not Elijah (v. 17). His prayer was effective because he was righteous, seeking those things consistent with God’s will (James 4:3).

James urges disciples to restore to the community those who have strayed. In the early church, some believed that it was not possible to sin or stray once baptized. Others believed it was possible to wander from the truth, but there could be no forgiveness after baptism. Here James is saying that it is possible to wander, but it is also possible to return. Further, anyone who guides the return of another is blessed and will be forgiven.

Central Ideas

1. James’ simple rite of anointing and prayer of healing forms the basis for our sacrament of Laying on of Hands for the Sick. 

2. Confession and forgiveness are essential facets of inner healing.
3. James affirmed believers could wander from the faith, and it was possible for them to return.
4. Those who help return lost sheep will be blessed.

 

Questions for the Speaker

1. How has the idea of healing become a complex and confusing topic? How does our sacrament of laying on of hands for the sick address current confusion and misunderstanding?
2. What is the significance of James saying, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective?” Can prayer be used as a weapon?
3. How can James’ injunction to confess to one another be carried out in a loving, healing manner?
4. When have you experienced the healing and forgiveness that can come from confession? Did it involve sharing with another person, or only with God?
5. What would it take to re-establish a connection with those who have become inactive in the church and invite them back into the sacred community?

 

SACRED SPACE: A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY

Year B Letters

Ordinary Time, Proper 21

James 5:13–20 NRSVUE

 

Gathering

Welcome

Ordinary Time is the period in the Christian calendar from Pentecost to Advent. This part of the Christian calendar is without major festivals or holy days. During Ordinary Time we focus on discipleship as individuals and a faith community.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Today’s Prayer for Peace is inspired by the hymn, “In This New Moment,” Community of Christ Sings 504, by Ernesto Barros Cardoso, Darlene Schützer, Paulo R. Salles Garcia, Tércio Junker, Dea C. Affini, and Eder Soares.

In this life there is pain,
destruction, and fear.
Let this be the moment to strengthen our ties.

Spirit of the moment, we confess our thoughts are a conductor’s baton, hopping, swaying, and jumping. Rarely do we dwell in the moment without great effort. But, peace is in that moment, when we are in tune with the life around us.

Strengthen our ability to be fully present in each moment of pain, destruction, and fear. May we fully see our ties to each of your beloved. May pain draw us closer to one another. For in that space and in that moment, we find and share peace.

Tension strengthens the knot where two ropes join. Empower us to embrace this power-giving tension. From our strength together, may we move toward justice.

In the name of Jesus, who is with us in each moment. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Praying for Peace

We are focusing on the Enduring Principle of Pursuit of Peace (Shalom). Shalom for Community of Christ is defined as “Led by the Holy Spirit, we work with God and others to restore shalom to creation.” We might describe it as the presence of God’s wholeness and healing peace in the world. By praying for peace for loved ones, the nations of the world, and even those we disagree with, we are focusing our hearts on healthy relationships and the ministry of reconciliation. A Prayer for Peace is offered each day in the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA. Prayers for Peace are included in worship services, small groups, family camps, and retreats. Praying for peace also can be a spiritual practice.

Today we will pray for peace, using the prayer of Saint Francis.

Read aloud:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy. Amen

This time, repeat each line after me:

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; (group repeats)
where there is hatred, let me sow love; (group repeats)
where there is injury, pardon; (group repeats)
where there is doubt, faith; (group repeats)
where there is despair, hope; (group repeats)
where there is darkness, light; (group repeats)
and where there is sadness, joy. Amen. (group repeats)

Invite the group to discuss what hope it has for peace and reconciliation.

Close with the following prayer:

Peace be to this house, peace be to all relationships, peace be to all the world. Amen.

Sharing Around the Table

James 5:13–20 NRSVUE

Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up, and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth yielded its harvest.

My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Christianity began as a sect of Judaism. Thus, early practices in the Christian church reflected Jewish worship forms such as prayer and song. Prayer is the common denominator in today’s text. James’s church was a praying, singing, and healing church.

Healing traditions, however, were complex and confusing. Gentile healing rituals included practices and rites of magic. Jewish law specified purification rites and examination by priests to authenticate healing for diseases like blindness or leprosy. The Christian community was shaped by the culture around it. People struggled with the variety of healing rituals brought into the early church through diverse cultures and backgrounds.

James cut through the confusion with a simple rite of anointing and prayer. Anointing with oil had long been used by Jews to symbolize the consecration of kings or prophets, dedication of ritual objects, and preparation for burial. Doctors and healers used oil as a balm for bruises, wounds, and blindness. James stressed the symbolic nature of anointing by specifying the elders should be called, and the anointing should be done in the name of the Lord.

James used Elijah as an example of the efficacy of prayer. A prophet from the northern kingdom of Israel, Elijah predicted a drought in the name of Yahweh, countering belief in the Canaanite god of rain, Baal. The drought, and Elijah’s later prayer for rain, dramatized the power of the Israelite God Yahweh over rain and harvest. James was clear that God ended the drought, not Elijah. His prayer was effective because he was “righteous,” seeking things consistent with God’s will.

James urged disciples to restore to the community those who had strayed. James was saying that it is possible to wander, but it also is possible to return. Further, anyone who guides the return of another is blessed and will be forgiven.

Questions

1. What are some ways a person might experience healing? How might some ways be complex and confusing?
2. When have you experienced “healing” (physical, emotional, spiritual)? How did it take place?
3. What role does prayer play in your life? Your spiritual journey?

Sending

Statement of Generosity

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

—Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

Discipling God, as we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In this way may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 232, “Healing River of the Spirit”

Closing Prayer

 

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
• Thoughts for Children

 

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• globe or some representation of Earth (optional)

Say: Today’s scripture references something that we consider a sacrament in Community of Christ. It is called the sacrament of laying on of hands. When someone is physically, spiritually, or emotionally sick, we can offer a special prayer, using oil.

Sometimes, when people ask for this type of prayer, they want to be miraculously healed. When we offer this sacrament, however, we do so with the understanding that healing takes many forms, and God will not always answer our prayers in obvious or preferable ways. We do not believe the sacraments are magical, fix-all spells. Instead, we view them as an opportunity to connect with God’s immense love for us.

Even when we aren’t participating in the sacrament of laying on of hands, we can pray for healing. Remember, praying for healing does not mean that all of our concerns, problems, or ailments will magically go away. Instead, it means that we are open to the healing Spirit in whatever form it takes.

Today, I want to offer a prayer of healing for the world. Before I offer this prayer, I would invite you to share something you know needs healing in the world.

Form a circle. If you have a globe or representation of Earth that can be passed around, use it to indicate whose turn it is to share. Ask everyone to share where or for what they are asking for healing. After everyone has had a chance to share, offer a prayer for healing for each concern raised. In your prayer, be sure to reiterate that healing takes many forms.