06/07/2018
Have you ever healed someone by praying over them? Perhaps not, but if you are a believer then someone certainly prayed with you as the confession, and contrition for your sins were lifted up, and you were healed by the acceptance of your faith... healed of the wretched sin-filled soul you once harbored, and joined with Jesus as a joint heir of God. Sickness comes in all forms, and so does healing.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James 5:16 ESV
So often we read this scripture in James 5, and have an image of someone who is deathly ill, lying in a hospital bed, or surrounded by saints, but healing isn’t limited to diseases, and ailments of the body. Certainly Jesus healed the lame, the blind, and the infirmed, but he also healed souls by accepting proclamations of faith, casting out evil spirits, and he healed broken and misguided souls by prayer.
“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." And he laid his hands on them and went away.”
Matthew 19:13-15 ESV
We are captured by this scripture in Matthew 19 because it speaks of Jesus’ lovingly interacting with children, but why was it necessary to lay hands on them and pray? There is no mention of there being a blessing bestowed, so why? Certainly He was in Judea healing and teaching, but there is no mention here of sickness... so why would he pray for physically healthy children? It is my conjecture that He was praying for their spirits and their faith. He was healing their souls by accepting their confession of faith, and removing sin.
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
Hebrews 7:25 ESV
Interceding in prayer lifts up many requests before the throne of God, but it can specifically heal. In this way we pray in the name of Jesus that healing come. Do you find it interesting that Jesus didn’t pray for those He was about to give a healing touch? I do... there is no mention in the Bible of Him actively praying as He touched someone that He was healing because He had already been given that power by the Father. However, there is mention of Jesus having already spoken to God before going to raise Lazarus from the dead...
“So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me."”
John 11:41-42 ESV
Jesus healed with authority as He simply commanded them to rise, or they touched His garment in their faith. However, we have been told specifically to pray, and not just to pray, but to pray in His name.
“"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”
John 14:12-14 ESV
So we heal. We heal more than just the bodies, we heal the minds, the souls, the heartbreaks, and yes, we forgive sin, and cast out demons. Those who don’t believe this don’t have faith in the words of Jesus because he tells us this specifically... so why are we remiss in this today? Why do we doubt the scripture? Why do we not have faith in the power of Jesus Christ to heal as we ask it in His name? Do we feel unworthy or presumptuous? Perhaps it is because we don’t have confidence in our own faith, or maybe it is because our grip on this world is just too strong, and we can’t let it go... even long enough to grasp the hand of Christ. How can we love our neighbor if we can’t leave our own fear of failure long enough to pray in Jesus’ name for their healing?
Let’s contemplate healing today. Let’s ask the Lord to give us the faith we need, and the courage and trust in His name that He instructs us to call on so that we can pray for those in need today.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the name of Jesus Christ whose name is more powerful than any other. I thank you for hearing our prayers for those around us, and healing them, body, spirit, soul, heart, and mind, at the mere mention of that name. Holy Father, lift us up in faith, and encourage us to pray for one another as the scripture instructs. Strengthen our love for each other, and remove the uncertainty that stands in the way of our prayers. Help us in our unbelief, and give us absolute confidence in your Word. Help us to sacrifice our pride on the altar of the cross as we stoop to help even the most lowly of sinner in their struggle to reach out to you. Let nothing stand in the way of the love we should have for our neighbor, and be willing to give up our appearance of piety that their soul might be healed. Jesus gave Himself, can we not give what you ask of us? Hear today my prayers as I pray for those in need, and for the healing of those who are suffering. Praised be your name Merciful Father, and great is the name of Jesus. All glory is yours Heavenly Father, for Holy, Holy, Holy, are you, my provider, my healer, my defender, my all in all.
“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."”
Luke 22:32 ESV
Rich Forbes