Day 4: Pray Because God Still Heals
Day 4: Pray Because God Still Heals
SCRIPTURE READING: James 5:14–16; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church… and the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick… To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION
Until Jesus returns and makes all things new, what do we do with sickness, pain, grief, and wounds?
We pray.
We ask. We seek. We bring our wounds to God. We pray because God told us He is healer. We pray because Jesus healed. We pray because the Spirit of God still works through the people of God.
The New Testament is clear that healing is not only something Jesus did while walking the earth. Peter prayed for healing. Paul prayed for healing. The early church prayed for God to stretch out His hand to heal in the name of Jesus. James tells the sick to call for the elders of the church and receive prayer. Paul says the Holy Spirit gives gifts to the church, including gifts of healing.
The gifts of healing do not mean certain people become the healer. Jesus is the healer. They do not mean healing is something we control. It never belongs to us. But they do mean the risen Jesus still ministers to wounded people through His Spirit-filled church.
Some people may carry a grace from God to pray for healing with unusual faith, compassion, and effectiveness. They may not even know it yet.
The gifts of the Spirit were not given to impressive people. They were given to ordinary people for the good of others.
So do not become so careful that you become unbelieving. Do not become so afraid of excess that you settle for prayerlessness. We are not trying to become strange. We are trying to become biblical.
When someone is sick or hurting, ask if you can pray. Not performatively. Not loudly to prove a point. Not in a way that makes you the center. Simply, humbly, with faith.
You do not need perfect words. You do not need to understand every mystery. You can step out in boldness and love.
The church should be a people who carry the healing presence of Jesus into wounded places.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
• Do I actually pray for healing, or only believe in healing as an idea?
• What fears keep me from praying for someone who is hurting?
• How can I pray with boldness without becoming performative or strange?
• Do I believe the Holy Spirit may work through ordinary people like me?
• Who is one person I can pray for this week?
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, make me bold and compassionate. Teach me to pray for healing with faith and humility. If You have given me gifts that I have buried in fear, awaken them for the good of others and the glory of Jesus. Amen.
TODAY’S PRACTICE
Ask one person today or this week, “Would it be okay if I prayed for you?” Keep it simple. Pray in the name of Jesus and leave the outcome in His hands.
SCRIPTURE READING: James 5:14–16; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church… and the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick… To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION
Until Jesus returns and makes all things new, what do we do with sickness, pain, grief, and wounds?
We pray.
We ask. We seek. We bring our wounds to God. We pray because God told us He is healer. We pray because Jesus healed. We pray because the Spirit of God still works through the people of God.
The New Testament is clear that healing is not only something Jesus did while walking the earth. Peter prayed for healing. Paul prayed for healing. The early church prayed for God to stretch out His hand to heal in the name of Jesus. James tells the sick to call for the elders of the church and receive prayer. Paul says the Holy Spirit gives gifts to the church, including gifts of healing.
The gifts of healing do not mean certain people become the healer. Jesus is the healer. They do not mean healing is something we control. It never belongs to us. But they do mean the risen Jesus still ministers to wounded people through His Spirit-filled church.
Some people may carry a grace from God to pray for healing with unusual faith, compassion, and effectiveness. They may not even know it yet.
The gifts of the Spirit were not given to impressive people. They were given to ordinary people for the good of others.
So do not become so careful that you become unbelieving. Do not become so afraid of excess that you settle for prayerlessness. We are not trying to become strange. We are trying to become biblical.
When someone is sick or hurting, ask if you can pray. Not performatively. Not loudly to prove a point. Not in a way that makes you the center. Simply, humbly, with faith.
You do not need perfect words. You do not need to understand every mystery. You can step out in boldness and love.
The church should be a people who carry the healing presence of Jesus into wounded places.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
• Do I actually pray for healing, or only believe in healing as an idea?
• What fears keep me from praying for someone who is hurting?
• How can I pray with boldness without becoming performative or strange?
• Do I believe the Holy Spirit may work through ordinary people like me?
• Who is one person I can pray for this week?
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, make me bold and compassionate. Teach me to pray for healing with faith and humility. If You have given me gifts that I have buried in fear, awaken them for the good of others and the glory of Jesus. Amen.
TODAY’S PRACTICE
Ask one person today or this week, “Would it be okay if I prayed for you?” Keep it simple. Pray in the name of Jesus and leave the outcome in His hands.
Posted in Daily Devotional