Ask For It

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. – James 5:14

Caring for one another, especially in sickness, is a hallmark of Christian community. When we are weakest, we need the strength of the faith community to remind us that we are loved. We need the prayers of God’s people to sustain us.

St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them with the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Corinthians 1:4). What a privilege it is to compassionately care for and pray for one another as God cares for us.

I’ve often found, however, that those who need that care and compassion are hesitant to ask for it. They don’t want to be a burden. They don’t want to “bother” others. They don’t want to be seen as “weak.” Or worse, they expect that people should know that they’re in need and become resentful when no one reaches out.

I know that it can be hard to ask for help, especially when our energy is low and we feel terrible. But do it anyway! The body of Christ needs to care and be cared for. Prayer and compassion are powerful gifts of the Spirit. Asking for the help you need is a blessing, not a burden, both to the one who prays and the one who is prayed for.

Need help? Ask for it! Want some biblical inspiration? Dwell in this story.

Jeff Marian serves as lead pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN