James 5:16

So then. MacKnight thinks this should be taken literally. There can be no doubt that hate, bitterness, etc., impede recovery from sickness. We can set our consciences at ease by confessing our sins to one another (even though only God forgives sin) and restore broken relationships. The prayer of good man. [Man is not in the Greek here, but may be implied.] MacKnight sees this as the inspired prayer of a church elder who has the gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9). But we can certainly take this as a general statement about the power of prayer!