Are you suffering from a cold or possibly chronic pain for years, maybe even a life-threatening illness? Do you find it difficult to pray when you’re not well, or maybe you feel like you’re praying the same words over and over again? When we feel helpless we often cling to control as a life raft, but Christ tells us to cling to him during times of illness and every other time imaginable. We can pray for the sick and rest knowing God can restore health! He has the power to heal us, and he has the power to comfort us and give us new hope. He gives us rest when we are weary and peace when we are uncertain. If you find it hard to pray during difficult times you are not alone; pray along with this prayer for the sick!
Jesus, you control all the parts of our bodies, and you know when they’re not working at their best. Sickness leaves us stressed and steals time from all the things we want to be doing. We’re honest, Lord. We don’t like to be sick. But times like this also make us rest in you, so we thank you for this chance simply to wait on you.
We come to you today asking for your touch, Lord. Help us to be patient and allow you to do your work. If doctors are involved, give them wisdom, and thank you for providing the help we need, however you choose to provide. Whether this is a test, or simply a time to trust, we want our response to honor you.
As our Good Shepherd, we know you will lead us beside quiet places and restore our soul and body. We trust you and want to follow your leading. Help us to welcome this time not as an interruption in our carefully planned schedule, but as an opportunity to draw strength and nourishment for the journey ahead. You are our healer and our Great Physician. We look to you and give thanks for the promises in your Word that assure us of your presence and your help.
Teach us what you want us to learn during these unpleasant times, Lord. Help us not to take out our discomfort on those around us, and show us how to be a good patient while we’re recovering. In these days of sickness, Lord, we’re trusting you and asking you to make us well. And when you’ve restored our health, give us wisdom so we can treat our body as the temple of your Spirit. We’re eager to get back on our feet serving you, but we realize that even in sickness, we can still draw near to you.
Thank you, Jesus!