July 14, 2026

Strength from Scripture

Frenika Vijay Gohil (Gujarat, India)

(Image by: Pixabay)

Today's Reading

James 5:13-20

Thought for the Day

In challenging times, I can read the Bible and find peace.

Prayer Focus

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Today's Reading

James 5:13-20

Are any among you suffering? They should pray. - James 5:13 (NRSVUE)

I am in the ninth grade and regularly read The Upper Room before going to bed at night. This daily reading gives me a lot of spiritual motivation. In March 2023, my dad developed sudden, severe abdominal pain. My mom took my dad to the hospital where they learned that he had a fourteen-millimeter kidney stone along with two others that required surgery.

The next morning I received a phone call from my mom saying that Dad had a bad infection that would delay his surgery, and he would need to stay in the hospital even longer. I was very frightened when I heard this, but then I remembered my dad telling me to read the Bible when I am sad or disappointed.

So I took my Bible and read James 5. I prayed for my dad, just as Elijah prayed, and I experienced the Lord talking to me through verse 15. I felt peace after I prayed, and I released my sorrow to the Lord. When my mom called to tell me that my dad’s operation was successful, I thanked the Lord Jesus for hearing my prayer.

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Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to pray and the faith to trust in your mercy. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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