Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:13–15 (RSV)
Our family is filled with people whom God has called into the medical profession. When I scroll through photos, I see doctors, nurses, techs, and other positions in the healing arts. All have given their lives in the pursuit of maintaining and restoring health.
I see my doctor regularly. Even as I find that the passing of time makes those visits more interesting than I would like, I am grateful for his compassion and skill.
I would never suggest to anyone that modern medicine is not a gift from God. I marvel at the strides we have made over the years of my ministry. Procedures that once took major surgery are now done as an outpatient, with no hospital stay. New and more effective medications extend both the quality of life as well as its time.
All that said, I do not disregard the power of anointing, prayer, and laying on of hands in the restoration of a person's health. Christians have always known that these gifts aid the sick in their recovery. Studies have demonstrated that these spiritual medicines do have their part in our overall health care.
However, our health care comes to us. We see it all as a blessing from God. He gives the intellect to study, the drive to offer aid and the compassion for the suffering shown in all who are in the healing arts.
We offer the Father praise for the wonders of modern medicine and those whose call it is to provide it. We thank Him for our ability to lift our prayers and anointing for those who have need.