James 5:13
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Psalms 50:15And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.Ephesians 5:19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;Jonah 2:2And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;Jonah 2:7When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.Hosea 6:1Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.Revelation 14:3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.Psalms 91:15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.Matthew 26:30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.Luke 22:44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Historical Context
Diaspora believers experienced rapid swings between persecution and small victories. James equips them to process emotions in community through prayer and song, echoing the Psalms.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you typically respond to suffering and joy?
- What prayer and praise rhythms can you establish?
- Who can you invite into prayer when you hurt?
Analysis & Commentary
Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is anyone suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. James directs every emotion toward God—lament becomes prayer, joy becomes praise.
Reformed spirituality integrates all of life with God; prayer and worship are appropriate responses to both sorrow and celebration.