Healing prayer is an ancient form of drawing on the power of the Almighty to bring solace and comfort to ailing individuals. The Bible speaks to this power—and what it has to say about this type of prayer is incredibly encouraging.
What does the bible say about Healing Prayer?
Contrary to the notion that physical ailments can only be restored through modern medicine and advanced technology, the truth is that the word of God has always spoken to believers looking for healing.
It’s God who, through his spirit, forms us in the womb and can reach those who seek his power through prayer. In one way or another, many of us have asked the big questions around healing prayer: “Are we really able to effect change through prayer?
Does the act of prayer itself bring healing?” The Bible says yes, and provides clear examples of what this power can be used for. As it is written in the book of Psalms, “Praise the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped.”
Jesus himself was known for launching into prayer when confronted with people who needed healing, such as in the case of the blind man he restored with a simple touch. It’s also evident in Acts 5:16, which states, “The sick came and were healed in droves.” And in 3 John 1:2, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
Even as recently as 2014, a study conducted at Harvard Medical School examining the power of intercessory prayer found that 64% of those who received intercessory prayer had an improvement in their symptoms.
The strength of healing prayer is indeed a tremendous one, with its power originating from the Bible and its timeless teachings. These scriptures seek to point us toward the source of true healing and restoration—God himself.
Faith
Steadfast faith in the power of prayer is often a potent precursor to healing. Scripture admonishes us to accept with courage and faith the challenges in our lives and to turn to God in trust. Mark 11:22-24 speaks to this reassuringly: “Have faith in God,” Jesus said. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” For those putting their faith in prayer for healing, these words are a reminder that whatever difficulty they’re facing, God is with them and is working on their behalf. This encourages us to place complete faith in Him and His promises. Romans 10:17 clearly speaks to this notion. It states, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” And in Hebrews 11:1, we’re asked to rejoice with those who put their faith in God to bring about healing, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Gratitude
The power of prayer is further reinforced through attitudes of gratitude and thanks. Each and every blessing received should be met with our most sincere gratitude, as it is a sign of the infinite love that God has for us. The Bible makes reference to the blessing of gratitude several times. In Psalm 136:1, we are asked to take pause and thank the Lord for his unyielding love. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” It also asks that we thank Him for his faithfulness in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” In 1 Corinthians 15:57, thanking God for providing us with strength of the spirit is also key: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This reminder serves as a powerful reminder of just how much God loves us and wants to bring us relief.
Supplication & Asking for Reassurance
The scripture Bibles us that in times of difficulty, our solace should come in asking for assurance that God will provide healing through prayer. In Colossians 4:2-4, the Lord is asked to provide wisdom: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” In the epistle of James 5:13-16, the power of prayer is also declared. This often-quoted passage urges believers to pray, “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” This passage serves as a reminder to bring requests to the Lord with faith, and that he will provide.
Respect
Respect should always be afforded to our Creator and His words when approaching prayer for healing. As it is written in Psalm 145, “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” Respect for the Lord’s will is asked of us in 1 Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” We are reminded that our answers will only come when we have faith that our requests will be answered. In Mark 11:24, it is written: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” The power of healing prayer is in such statements. They remind us that faith, respect, and steadfastness can have an enormous impact on one’s journey through pain or illness.
Obedience & Virtue
Virtue and obedience to God’s Word is yet another important element that must be taken into consideration when approaching prayer for healing. The Bible speaks clearly to this point in Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Respect for the Lord’s will is also asked of us in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Scriptures such as these remind us that we must approach healing prayer with humility and obedience. Our power to effect change lies not in us, but in God alone. We are only vessels to be filled with His healing power and grace.
Help & Support from Others
The Bible speaks to the power of a communal effort when it comes to healing prayer. Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” As it is in many prayers of healing, there often a group of believers are together to offer petition in one unified prayer. James 5:16 enforces this concept, encouraging all to pray for those in need. It states, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” We are further reminded of the Lord’s goodness in Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This speaks to the power of being in community with one another—the body of believers gathering in prayer to ask that God’s will be done.
