The Book of James: A book generally accepted as the work of James the brother of Jesus Christ in the flesh and in Spirit. It was addressed to the Christian Jews who were scattered abroad. It is also addressed to all Christians today; and more specifically to me right now.

Holy Spirit, as I begin this series of prayers and study of the book of James, may You cause the words written herein to minister to all my needs in this moment, and, at any other point and time of need in the future as well. Amen.

Chapter 1:1-8

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

A servant of God: one who is submitted to Jesus and to the carrying out of the will of God: heart, body, mind and soul. One who is absolutely sold out to His will and purpose. One who is ready and willing to die for the cause of Christ daily. One who has denied himself to follow Jesus.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Rejoice when you go through various trials and fall into diverse temptations. Meaning to have the joy of the Lord within you in all circumstances…whether they be good or bad. Lord, this has been one of the hardest concepts in Your word to grasp. Nevertheless, I am still willing to learn. Teach me, train me and strengthen me in the process. Refresh me too, that I may not get weary and faint along the way.

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Reading this, I recall that Job once said: “But You know the way that I take: when You have tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Lord, I pray that you perfect in me that good work which You have begun. My biggest worry in life is to be self-deceived. Reveal to me my secret faults, keep me from presumptuous sins and please let them not have dominion over me. May Your Holy Spirit be so clear as He speaks to me; that I will never, ever have to struggle to hear His voice and direction daily.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Master and good teacher…teach me how to wait on You: without gripping, grumbling, complaining and even whining. When I am offended by men or by life’s circumstances, let me come to You at all times. Lord, You are the master of long-suffering — (my flesh is resistant to pray this prayer) — nevertheless, teach me patience because I know:
✓ You are willing, and,

✓ You know that this is that area where I…

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not [without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him]; and it shall be given him.

Father, give me wisdom… the kind I have desired from Thee from the day I perceived Thee.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Hinei! Hinei! Here I stand Lord— In Jesus’ Name!

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

In all things, in all dealings of life, Father, let me be as steady as the rock of ages. Keep me from falling into the folly of double-mindedness.

Amen and Amen!

Study Reminder: As you study this book in prayer, remember: For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome — Jeremiah 29:11

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