If one were to turn the book of James into a prayer, it might go like this:
In our trials, God, give us joy. (1:2)
In your generosity, give us wisdom. (1:5)
Continue to give us every perfect gift. (1:17)
Make us quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to be angry. (1:19)
Remove wickedness from us and plant your word in us. (1:21)
Make us people who don’t just hear your word, but carry it out, too. (1:22)
May our religion make us to care for those who need it most. (1:27)
Form us to show mercy, not judgment. (2:13)
May our faith be alive, active, and visible. (2:22)
Give us the wisdom from above that is pure, peaceful, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and without favoritism. (3:17)
Free us from our cravings and envy. (4:1-2)
May we fully submit to you and resist the devil. (4:7)
Draw near to us as we draw near to you. (4:8)
Cleanse our hands and purify our hearts. (4:8)
We humble ourselves so that you can be the one to lift us up. (4:10)
Form us to speak no words of evil or judgment against each other. (4:11)
Let our lives be in tune with your will, not our own. (4:15)
We patiently wait for your justice in this world. (5:7)
Come close to us and strengthen our hearts. (5:8)
Make us people of integrity. (5:12)
When we suffer, we pray to you; when we’re joyful, we sing to you. (5:13)
In our sicknesses, surround us with your faithful ones and heal us. (5:14-15)
Forgive us our sins, and guide us to confess our sins to each other. (5:15-16)
Bless us to lovingly share the truth with and restore each other. (5:19)
Amen.