Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.

--Parallel verses:‭‭
James‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭16‬
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Here we see the writer of Hebrews ask for prayer so that he and his team will be able to come to the Hebrews in the church they are writing to soon. This is a recognition by the author, a disciple of Jesus and someone who has clearly dedicated their life to the Lord, that they need prayer. They’re being honest with those that they write to that they are not beyond the pain and suffering of this world. They experience real challenges. And so they ask for a prayer from their brothers and sisters, because this is what God commands us to do, and this is what binds us together in the Holy Spirit. 

It is also what moves the heart of God to act to help his children in their time of need when his church prays. Sometimes these actions of God are to free us from physical oppression. And other times, God acts to give us the peace and fortitude we need to stand in peace under fire.

Of primary importance is to live in purity to God’s heart, to obey his commands and act in truth and love. This “desiring to live honorably in every way” part of the prayer, is a humble admission that they are weak spiritually, like sheep, without God’s Spirit in charge. And they asked for prayer to stay pure in heart and motive.

This is wisdom. This is practical honesty from a spiritual warrior. This reflects a fierce and determined loyalty to their Lord and Savior. And it is a good model for us to follow.  

I also think it is important to recognize what they do not ask for: 1) They do not ask for more money so they can expand their ministry. 2) They do not ask for a release from the pain and suffering they are experiencing for their own benefit. 3) And they do not ask for the church’s sympathy or or significant action on their behalf.

This is likely, in part, due to others suffering in many ways in the early church, as well. However, it also reflects a focus on his flock, as a shepherd of the church. Their needs come first. So the prayer for deliverance is not to stop the suffering, but instead to equip the church. This demonstrates a very mature faith. They trust God, have close friends to share these battles with, and have a faith that is unshakable by worldly persecution — faith that has been built up by past fires and challenges.

James, in our parallel verses, reinforces the practical usefulness and the incredible power of prayer. He says, “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective!”  And so is the writer of Hebrews. He models what righteous people have on their hearts. He models what a godly, mission-driven person asks for in prayer at the top of their list. They are God and others focused!

Lord, thank you for truth and your Word here, which models spiritual maturity in humility. Teach me to focus on the needs of others first, and to seek to be pure and honorable in how I live my life in service to you!