Carol writes: I like what you wrote, but how do you explain James 5:13-18?

Scott,
It’s good to hear from you. Sorry it took me a bit to get to this. This is a great question that I think more people have than are willing to ask and just end up living in the tension and never really reconciling it all.

As we begin to answer it, we want to get a basis on the type of Scripture that this text finds itself in, namely parables. There are a few really good books on the parables:
Interpreting the Parables by Craig Blomberg, An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus by Robert S and the Parables of Jesus by David Wenham (although this one is my least favorite and a bit revolutionary [no pun intended- you’ll see if you read it]).

Second, as can be seen in several places in these books, there are different devices employed in parables that could include comparison, contrast, direct symbol, distant symbol, etc. One of the devices used is the very common greater/lesser argument (latin:fortiori) that is most often capped off with, “how much more . . . ” – that is the device at play in this context, and specifically in this parable, connected as well to the parable in 11:9-13.

As Stein says it in his Luke commentary,

“The prayer Jesus taught his disciples (11:1–4) is followed by a parable (11:5–8) that serves as an encouragement to pray. This has been interpreted as teaching the contrast between the householder’s unwillingness to assist his neighbor and God’s great desire to assist his children. Others have interpreted the parable as teaching that persistence in prayer will be rewarded. Both emphases are found elsewhere in the Gospel. The former is clearly taught in 11:13 and the latter in the parable of the unjust judge (18:1–8). There is no need, however, to choose between these interpretations. Both meanings are contained in the parable and in the concluding sayings in 11:9–13, which are connected to 11:5–8 by the words “ask” and “give.” The believer is encouraged to pray because of the Father’s gracious character. If inhospitable neighbors and unjust judges will eventually grant the requests of those entreating them, how much more will a loving Heavenly Father. As a result the believers are to persist in prayer not in order to overcome God’s reluctance but because they know God will hear and answer (11:9–13). When one wonders if it is really worthwhile to pray when it seems the prayer goes unanswered, when the believer walks through the valley of the shadow and heaven seems deaf, the believer nonetheless persists in prayer due to the character and the promises of the one they call “Abba”—Father. p 323.”

Now, I made sure to put the entire quote in so that you can see that he tips his hat to the persistence concept in the beginning, but then clarifies in the end. He appropriately makes a connection between this parable and the parable of the unjust judge in chapter 18. The purpose, though, is not to connect God with the unjust judge, nor the unwilling neighbor. Rather it is to make a comparison (that is more directly played out in 11:9-13) that if we can get an answer from each of these guys – and they’re evil (11:13), HOW MUCH MORE will we be heard and taken care of by our heavenly Father.

These 13 verses are an entire context on prayer that should be read together, practically climaxing in verse 13.

Keep in mind the full version of the Model Prayer in Matthew 6 that has us begin by praying for (conformity to) God’s will. Jesus teaches them to pray here, then tells them not to give up, reminds them that God’s grace (both effectual and common grace) have “evil” men doing good things in response to need, and HOW MUCH MORE will our Father in heaven meet all our needs according to His great and perfect will.

We do not persist Him to answer nor act, we persist to not ever loose heart in His timing and will. We don’t change His mind, but rather conform to His will.

I hope this helps! Thanks, brother. Tell Karla we said hi.