I was grieved to find that in one of the churches somebody was taken with a false teaching that Jesus had never taught to pray for the sick and that neither the apostles in the Acts of the Apostles did it and that only James gave this exhortation, but the rest of the apostles did not make such exhortations.
I also have a question for those who so easily believe this kind of teachings. But where did the Lord command us not to pray for the sick? Did you find anything like that? Or have you seen this in the Acts of the Apostles? Certainly, there is not such a teaching. And then, if you say that only James taught this, does this mean that the Epistle of James contradicts the rest of the Scripture? Do you have doubts regarding the authenticity of this epistle? Such a teaching does not come from God, but from the evil one, and you must run away from it. It is very interesting that then the author gives concrete steps to discuss with people how to order the disease to leave, and so will the man be healed? But where, my dear, did you see this in the Scriptures? Who did this?
The boldness of the author goes so far as to say: “Healings should not be something that happens with a probability of 100 out of 1000. They must be everywhere.” Is that so? But how does it come with the fact that the Lord was doing awesome miracles and healing through Paul, but he himself was sick, and Timothy often had stomach sickness? Have you not read about it? God is God, and those who teach so speak as if they want to take His place and command Him. Be careful, my dears, this teaching is extremely dangerous. Do not follow it, but if you are sick, do exactly as the Scripture teaches us, namely:
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; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5: 14-16) (NASB)
I notice that here it does not tell you to go to this monastery or church at the end of the earth or to a special person. The Word of God tells you to call the elders of your church, to confess your sins, and they will pray for you after they anoint you with oil. Do as the Word of God says to you and receive all things as from God’s hand, for He is sovereign, not us.
Translated by Didina Cravcenco