Pastor Evan Rose -- Church Practices - 4/15/2026

Prayer for the Sick and Trusting God Together

What We Practice and Why It Matters

When someone in our church is sick, what should we do?

Pray, of course.
Care, of course.
Walk with them, of course.

But Scripture gives us something even more specific.

“Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord…”
— James 5:14–15

This is not a strange or distant command.
It is a simple, personal, and powerful picture of how the church cares for one another in times of need.

At Lake Hills, as any member requests this, we want to practice this faithfully, clearly, and in a way that builds trust—not confusion.

A Simple, Biblical Practice

When a member of the body is sick and reaches out, Scripture calls the elders (pastors) to come, pray, and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord, if requested.

This moment reflects several important truths:

We depend on God as our healer
We care for one another as a church family
We pray in faith, not in fear
We trust God’s will, not our control

This is not about creating a dramatic moment.
It is about expressing quiet, confident trust in God together.

What This Practice Is—and Isn’t

It’s important to be clear.

We do believe:

God is able to heal
Prayer matters
Faith matters
God responds to His people

But we do not believe:

This guarantees physical healing
The oil has power in itself
This replaces medical care
This is a formula we control

The power is not in the method.
The power is in God.

Who This Is For

James gives a clear picture:
This is for when a believer calls for the elders of their church.

This assumes something important—a known, ongoing relationship of care.

At Lake Hills, this practice is primarily for:

Members of the church
Those under the spiritual care of our elders

That doesn’t mean we won’t pray for others—we gladly will.

But the full picture of James 5 reflects something deeper than a one-time moment. It reflects a life of being known, shepherded, and cared for in the body of Christ.

What Happens When We Come

We aim to keep this practice simple, reverent, and focused on God.

Typically, it includes:

A brief Scripture-centered explanation
A small amount of oil applied (usually on the forehead)
Laying on of hands
Prayer led and closed by an elder (pastor), inviting prayer from others as well.

The tone is not rushed or emotional for effect.
It is calm, faith-filled, and centered on the Lord.

What We Pray For

When we pray, we ask boldly and humbly.

We will:

Ask God for healing
Pray for strength and endurance
Encourage faith and trust
Submit to God’s will and timing

James also reminds us that this can be a moment of spiritual reflection:

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)

Not every sickness is tied to sin—but every moment of suffering is an opportunity to draw near to God.

A Moment Within Ongoing Care

This moment is not meant to stand alone.

When someone is sick, the church’s responsibility does not end with a prayer.

We continue:

praying
encouraging
supporting
walking with them

This is what it means to be a church family.

Why This Matters

Practicing James 5 helps us become the kind of church Scripture describes:

A church that depends on God
A church that cares deeply for its people
A church that takes prayer seriously
A church that walks together through suffering

It also reminds us of something bigger.

Even when physical healing does not come immediately, we have a greater hope.

Christ has already secured ultimate healing through His death and resurrection. One day, every sickness will be gone, every tear wiped away, and every believer made whole in His presence.