In light of James 5:14 are church members often prayed over by the elders and anointed with oil? Or is this only have to do with confessing sins? Please help me clear up this issue.

On numerous occasions, church elders have anointed and prayed for the sick members. As sin is often a complicating factor in illness, confession of sins many times has positive medical benefits. (A guilty conscience affects the body's immune system, weakening it!) In the absence of elders (overseers), in my opinion, any spiritual person's prayers would be efficacious. 

This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2003. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of Douglas Jacoby.