Have you ever prayed for healing for yourself, or for someone you care about? You are not alone! According to surveys of Americans, the number one topic included in our prayers is the health and well being of ourselves and our families.
Other interesting statistics:
- 96% of us believe in God.
- More than 90% of women and more than 80% of men pray regularly.
- 50% of doctors pray for their patients.
The most common prayer request I hear is from someone who wishes to have the disease simply go away. There is nothing wrong with this type of prayer request, but it falls short of asking God for complete, true healing.
The word “heal” comes from the same root word as the words “well”, “whole”, and “holy”, all referring to completeness. From a Biblical point of view, the goal is to become whole, complete, and holy before God. True healing, then, is not limited to physical restoration, but includes mental, emotional, and spiritual healing as well.
From this viewpoint, the desired outcome of praying for healing goes far beyond a simple request for a physical cure, to then be followed by a return to living just as we did before. This point is especially relevant when we realize that a full 80% of our diseases are lifestyle related! (Think: smoking, being sedentary, over eating, stress, alcohol, drugs, irresponsible sexual behavior, etc.)
Rather, the disease process should be prayerfully examined for opportunities to grow completely well, including mental, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Here are some suggestions for prayer topics to add to our prayers for physical healing:
- That lessons are learned from the disease, so that spiritual, mental, and emotional growth results, and necessary changes in behavior are made.
- That role modeling is evidenced by the sufferer and those involved.
- That relationships are healed.
- That loved ones are comforted.
- That we recognize and are thankful for our blessings.
- That God is glorified by the circumstances of the disease, or by the behaviors of those involved.
I am always available to pray with you, or for you. Please do not hesitate to ask!