The Missing Ingredient

I really like to cook. In particular, I like to make chocolate chip cookies. It is a simple recipe that I have refined over the years. Even though it is simple, precision with the ingredients is important. Too much baking soda and they turn into cake. Too little, and they fall flat. Too much flour turns them into bread. Too little and they have the consistency of a cracker. And, they just don't taste right without real vanilla.

Now that you want cookies, here is my point: in essence, a faith that works is very much the same. In James 5:13 - 18, we learn the secret and often missing ingredient in a relationship built on faith is prayer. It is essential and we must give prayer the priority it deserves.