Praying for Healing with Faith

Few things provoke us to relentlessly pursue an answer from God like the need for healing—especially for our loved ones.

Like Moses in the wilderness, the Roman centurion in Capernaum, or the mother from Canaan, we call on our compassionate God for healing.

And He answers.

There are moments when healing is instantaneous, and there are times when God leads us to contend in intercession for our loved ones’ physical wholeness. During these times, it’s important to remember:

1. God wants to heal.
2. God is the Healer because this is His nature.
3. God invites us to intercession.

1. God wants to heal.

In Luke 4, Jesus declares to religious leaders what was proclaimed about Him hundreds of years earlier: He came to heal.

When faced with the realities of sickness, we sometimes question whether God desires to heal our loved ones.

Jesus went against religious tradition, boldly healing people on the Sabbath, even in the midst of powerful leaders who threatened and verbally condemned Him (Luke 4:40). But He was not intimidated. Despite the accusations and threats, He didn’t stop healing people.

As we agree with God and His Word, reminding Him of His character and covenant promises, we are reminded of the eternal truth that God is compassionate. He enjoys correcting the wrong things in our lives.

2. God is the Healer because this is His nature.

God’s track record of healing people’s minds, bodies, and souls can be seen clearly throughout Scripture. Our Father’s judgment on sickness is seen in the manifestation of His healing power.

When we need a miracle and the best experts only have bad news, and all looks completely impossible, we can stand on the Word of God, knowing that our prayers are heard and our Healer will answer.

When Jesus walked through Israel in human form, He was moved with compassion to heal because of His nature, regardless of the type or extent of the disease before Him, or even how the person became sick.

“There came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue . . . he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.’ . . . He came into the house . . . took her by the hand and called, saying, ‘Little girl, arise.’ Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately.” (Luke 8:41–55)

3. God invites us to intercession.

God has chosen intercession, or praying for others, as the primary means in which He releases His power through His people.

The primary principle of intercession is to tell God what He tells us to tell Him, which positions us to hear from God, obey His voice, and experience more of His presence. This draws us into intimacy with His heart and unifies us with other believers.

The Father has ordained that His words must be spoken, and when they are spoken, the Spirit releases power.

For example, the Lord ordained that healing would flow as God’s people lay hands on the sick and speak God’s Word over them (Mark 16:18).

As a foundational law, the Spirit moves in response to God’s Word being spoken by His people. Whether Jesus is speaking over the formless void at Creation or we are interceding for revival at a prayer meeting, God’s power is released through the principle of speaking God’s Word back to Him.

If you’ve experienced healing through the power of prayer, share your story to help encourage others. And if you’re contending for healing, let us know how we can pray with you.

We can be confident that our gracious God desires us to walk in what Jesus has purchased. His Word strengthens our faith in His consistent nature. He healed in the past and still heals today.

“And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)