Old Camel Knees

According to early church tradition, the apostle James earned the nickname, “Old Camel Knees.” Apparently, this was due to thick callouses that formed on his knees from years and years of prayer. 

The letter of James in the New Testament is often categorized as Wisdom Literature. In his commentary on this letter in The Message, scholar and pastor Eugene Peterson reminds us that, “Wisdom is not primarily knowing the truth, although it certainly includes that; it is skill in living.” Skill in living! 

I don’t know about you, but I definitely can use more skill in living. I want to live deeply. I want to make the most of the time I have here on earth. I want to fully experience God’s blessing and to be a blessing to others. So today, l give thanks that we have guides like the Apostle James to show us the way.  

At the end of his commentary, thinking about “Old Camel Knees,” Peterson goes on to make the point that, “Prayer is foundational to the wisdom. Prayer is always foundational to wisdom.” 

Let us pray: Loving and Gracious God, we come before you this day, on the knees of our hearts. We thank you for those who have come before us in the faith, women, and men who have steeped themselves in prayer and who hand down to us a way of living that is compelling and beautiful. Today, grant that our hearts would be open enough to receive and trust your guidance. Teach us your ways, and lead us on your path to abundant and eternal life. Amen.