Prayer for healing
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. You know every part of my body and every worry in my heart. I bring them all to you now. You heal the broken in heart and bind up their wounds. Touch my body and my spirit with your healing. Give wisdom to my doctors and nurses, and give me patience and peace while I wait. Whatever comes, keep me close to you and let me rest in your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for someone who is sick
Lord, I lift up my friend to you today. You see them in their sickness, and you love them even more than I do. Strengthen them on their bed of sickness. Ease their pain and give their body rest. You told us to pray for one another, that we may be healed. I pray now in faith for your healing touch. Surround them and their family with your peace, and let them know they are not alone. Amen.
Prayer for healing and strength
Father, I am tired and this road is long. You give power to the faint; please give me strength for today. Heal what is hurting in my body and in my heart, and renew my strength as I wait on you. Your grace is enough for me. Let your strength be made perfect in my weakness. Amen.
What the Bible says about praying for healing
Scripture encourages us to pray for the sick. James 5:14–16 tells the sick to call the elders of the church to pray, and says “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Jesus healed many people, and Psalm 103:3 praises God “who healeth all thy diseases.”
When healing does not come
Christians also know that not every prayer for healing is answered as we hope. Paul prayed three times for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed and was told, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Praying for healing is an act of trust, not a formula, and God’s love does not change when the answer is “wait” or “no.”
Prayer and medical care
Praying for healing does not mean refusing treatment. Luke, who wrote a Gospel and the book of Acts, was a physician (Colossians 4:14). Many Christians pray for their doctors and nurses as part of praying for healing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a short prayer for healing?
“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise” (Jeremiah 17:14). This verse is itself a short prayer for healing that many people pray daily.
How do I pray for someone who is sick?
Pray for them by name, ask God to ease their pain and bring healing, pray for their doctors and family, and ask for peace. James 5:16 says to “pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” Let them know you are praying.
What Bible verse is a prayer for healing?
Jeremiah 17:14, Psalm 6:2, “O LORD, heal me,” and 3 John 1:2, “I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,” are often prayed for healing.
Is there a Catholic prayer for healing?
Catholics often ask the prayers of saints such as St. Raphael the Archangel or St. Padre Pio, and the Church offers the Anointing of the Sick, based on James 5:14–15, for those who are seriously ill.
More prayers
- The Hail Mary Prayer The traditional Catholic prayer to Mary, with the Bible verses it comes from.
- Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina) The Salve Regina, prayed at the end of the Rosary.
- How to Pray a Novena What a novena is, how to pray one, and a simple nine-day novena from Scripture.
- Morning Prayer Short prayers to start the day, the Lord’s Prayer and the Catholic Morning Offering.
- Prayer for Strength Prayers for strength in hard times, for courage and for guidance.
- Psalm 91 Prayer of Protection A prayer of protection drawn line by line from Psalm 91.