We serve a God with so much grace and compassion for us, especially in times of pain and need. Out of God's amazing love for us, His heart breaks when His children suffer. The first chapter of the gospel of Mark records Jesus healing a man with leprosy. It says that Jesus, being "moved with compassion," reached out and touched the man, healing him immediately! God views us in our pain and suffering with that same compassion. While we sometimes don't know what to pray for when it comes to our need for healing, the Psalms are a great place to start. They were written by people who, much like us, had genuine struggles that caused them to cry out to God and even question Him. Hopefully, these Psalms and prayers bring comfort and hope as you set your afflictions before the Lord.
1. Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. I am sick at heart. How long, O LORD, until You restore me? - Psalm 6:2-3 NLT
Heavenly Father, please have mercy on me out of Your great love and compassion and bring me the relief I long for. I struggle with this same question as the Psalmist: how long, O Lord? I'm bringing You the only thing I can, which is my weakness, asking You to provide me with Your strength in return and sustain me in the waiting.
2. O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health. - Psalm 30:2 NLT
Lord, I know You are a loving God who hears me when I cry out to You. Father, please restore my health. Just as Your Son had compassion for the afflicted, I ask You to have pity on me in my affliction, blessing me with the healing I so long for. May it show Your great love and power, bringing glory to Your name.
3. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. - Psalm 103:3 NLT
Lord, I know that You still work miracles today because Your forgiveness of my many sins, transforming me into a new creation in Christ, is miraculous. This is the greatest miracle You can ever do in my life by far, and I will forever praise You for it! Out of that same power that has brought spiritual healing into my life, please bring about my recovery in every other area as well: physically, mentally, and emotionally.
4. The LORD nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. - Psalm 41:3 NLT
Lord, I thank You that You are not only my Healer, but You are my Comforter in this healing process. I know that I am never alone. You are always right by my side, even when I struggle to believe that. In this time of need, help me to feel Your presence as You restore me. Even now, as I pray, may I feel Your healing touch.
5. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. For the LORD protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! - Psalm 34:19-20 NLT
Heavenly Father, I know that we will face trials as we navigate this broken world, but I'm thankful that you don't leave us to face them alone! Help me to trust you during this trial. I also ask for your protection today over my loved ones and me, that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, but rather that you would take care of us today.
6. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. - Psalm 73:26 NLT
Heavenly Father, I know this body is only temporary. While this is a blessed truth, the waiting gets discouraging. Lord, I ask that You help me to feel Your strength encouraging me as I reach the end of myself. I also ask for peace and joy today as I'm reminded that You are the one thing, my only hope, that can never be taken from me. And one day, I will get to worship You in the perfect, imperishable body You have waiting for me. Thank You, Lord.
7. From the ends of the earth, I cry to You for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for You are my safe refuge. - Psalm 61:2-3 NLT
Lord, my heart is overwhelmed, and I desperately need You. I know I can't do this alone, so I ask that You help me surrender everything I've been holding onto. Regardless of my physical or mental health struggles, allow me to know I am safe in Your presence. Help me to believe that You are still good even when my situation is not and that You still have good plans for me.
8. I love the LORD because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! - Psalm 116:1-2 NLT
Father, You know I'm tired and burdened. Sometimes I wonder if You even hear me when I pray, and discouragement keeps me from coming to You. Lord, give me the courage to keep praying. May I feel Your presence, even now. I ask God again for my complete restoration, as I know You can. I also ask that You help me to pursue my Healer over my healing. I know I will never be disappointed with Christ as my sole pursuit.
