THOUGHTS: Begin your study by sharing your thoughts on this question.1. Think about a time when you were sure God heard your prayer. How has this trust built your faith? The Word of God is alive and full of power. It is active, operational, energizing and efficient. This is why we must obey His Word and do the things He tells us to do. Prayer is the living Word in our mouth. God will work if we pray in faith and obey His commandments. Your prayers will be hindered if there is a lack of forgiveness in your heart. God is not obligated to answer the prayers of those who have unresolved issues in their hearts against another person. Many prayers go unanswered because of lack of forgiveness. You can't have hatred in your heart or that old "get even" mentality in your heart if you want to have an effective prayer life. DISCOVERY: Explore reading the Bible 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? TEACHING TEXT: James 5:14-15 Paul asks the question: “Is there anyone among you who is sick? Let him call 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 included many men, men who were They were not ashamed to 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 were called to pray for them and anoint the sick with oil. They would do both of these things in the name of the Lord. know that the Lord alone is the healer of all illnesses ... just like us He had to face the same faults and failures that each of us does. he was a prophet of God, prayed as he did a man (a man with human frailties just like ours). Yet Elijah (the man) prayed 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; That works. The prayer of a righteous man (a believer) will produce power, the power of God, to do the work.THOUGHT 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 have others helped you when you were drifting in your relationship with Christ?10. What prevents men from praying with confidence?