James 5:13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
In this section from 13-18 James speaks of different forms of prayer
- Supplication - talking to God about our need
- Praise - talking to God about Himself
- Intercession - talking to God on behalf of others
- Confession - talking to God about our sin
Praying in times of trouble of course comes most naturally.
Ps 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Ps 50:14,15 Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.
Praise should likewise come naturally to the Christian.
Eph 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.