The Book of James: A book generally accepted as the work of James the brother of Jesus Christ in the flesh and in Spirit.

This is a personal prayer-study of the book of James. I go through the verses one by one; breaking them down slowly while in meditation and in prayer.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I worship You yet for another opportunity to go through this book full of rich lessons once again. Father, I pray that these may not just be words that I write here on this blog to fill up the space, but that they may be words that come alive in me as I write and meditate on them; words that cause me to – obediently – live out my faith in you daily.

James 2 (KJV)

1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

Lord, I pray for a heart of humility to employ this teaching. Help me to understand that not having respect of persons stems from humbling myself before You always. Lord, grant me the power to live a life that is truly set apart and wholly sanctified before You. I pray for an unbiased regard towards all men. I pray that You grant me a heart to treat all men equally regardless of position, status, race, background, religion, gender, political profiles, etc. Lord Jesus, just as You were in this world, I pray that You make me likewise. I look to You – and only You – to help me become as You are.

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Lord, cleanse my heart from evil thoughts. Insulate me from being enamored and taken by impressions of men; keep me from the lust of the eye and the pride of life. O Lord, help me to root out anything in my life that could serve as a stumbling block on this matter. Keep me from regarding highly or lowly: riches or poverty. Help me to possess a sober mind in all such matters and at all times. Father, arm me with an attitude of a servant – the least of the least – that I may retain perspective in all things.

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Jesus, I pray against the spirit of partiality in my life Lord. This is an especially hard lesson to put into practice – for me especially – and particularly when addressing personal absolutes. But what is such a matter to You O Lord? Nothing is impossible with You Jesus. Father, I pray for wisdom coupled with an impartial mind. Help me not to extol men or even judge people by appearances. Help me to approach all men with an agape service and to see all men as You do – as dust; as grass that withers away with time – including myself.

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Lord, this You know well: that it is my second greatest fear – to cause Your name to be blasphemed among men. Help me Jesus to deal equitably and without prejudice to all men. Help me to be a follower of Jesus Christ who is wholehearted and obedient to Your word. Yes, even when it is hard to stand the ground of impartiality O Jesus. Help me to bear my cross having in mind the joy set before me (Your great promises). Moreover, help me too, not to pay any heed to other men’s comings and goings.

8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

Keep me, O Lord, from committing this sin against You because I know Your law.

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

Help me to weigh and examine all of my thoughts and actions by Your laws and not by other men’s righteousness. Lord, help me to deal with my own shortcomings and focus on my own life whilst seeking with all my heart, strength and mind – to honor You and You alone.

12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

So help me God: to mean what I say and do as I say. Deliver me from the fear of man and grant me a steady and firm resolve to stand – in Your commandments and with regards to my personal absolutes – at all times.

13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Lord teach me, also, to practice true justice. I pray for a heart of compassion and mercy while dealing with other people’s shortcomings. Father, I pray for an extraordinary spirit – the spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ – to indwell me. I pray that You Holy Spirit lead me and guide my thoughts and all my decisions. Lord, I pray for Your Holy Spirit’s gifts to abide in me that I may produce much fruit in my life.

Lord Jesus, receive all the praise because, indeed, You are worthy of all praise. I pray these prayers Lord with humility of heart; trusting and believing that Lord You will answer them all. Father, I pray to be an excellent Christian. I recognize, too, that I cannot do it without You and Your Holy Spirit’s power. I ask for Your Holy Spirit’s anointing. Lord, Your promised us that You would not leave us as orphans, but that You would send Your Spirit to lead us; to help us and to teach us. Help me, O Lord, and bless me with Your Holy Spirit. Be magnified and glorified.

In Jesus Name I pray,

Amen.

2 Chronicles 19

7 Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it (with integrity): for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God (He does not tolerate perverted justice), nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts (or the taking of bribes).
8 Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the chief of the fathers of Israel, for the judgment of the LORD, and for controversies, when they returned to Jerusalem.  9 And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD (You must always act in the fear of God), faithfully, and with a perfect heart (an undivided heart).

– Do not be afraid, I am with you; I will stand with you always.

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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