James 5 - verse for thought

You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:8)

Strengthen your hearts.... I like how Elder James says it. It's like, yes, he knows we are feeling inadequate, weak, uncertain.... Our hearts are failing us... Sinking.. Running away everywhere... And he says, strengthen your hearts... Don't be discouraged. Don't be unsure. Surely you can do this, because that who is in you is stronger than the world around you. You are stronger than you think you are. And, the best part is, He is coming soon. So, hang in there :)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16)

The power of intercessory prayers. Perhaps we have been praying much for one another; but how often do we confess our sins to one another? In this sense, perhaps I should give some credit to the catholic practice of 'confession' when they go into a quiet place to 'confess' their sins to a priest.. But we need to get this right.. Confessing your sins to one another goes together with praying for one another. How else do you pray for someone if you do not first know what they need most at the moment? And we all know that we need the mercy and grace of God most, for we often (always?) fall short of the glory of God.

Let's confess our sins to someone today and have that someone pray together :)