Young Adults' Group

The Prayer Of Faith

by Pastor Mark
July 11, 2024

Praying for the sick

Sickness is a common concern for everyone. We have all struggled with sickness at one time or another. Our loved ones, such as our children and parents, also have their own fair share of illnesses to deal with. Our natural desire is to seek healing.

Many among the multitudes with sicknesses and diseases sought the Lord Jesus, and He healed them (Luke 4:40). The Apostles also had the gift of healing by doing special signs and wonders (Acts 3). Today, the gift of healing has ceased and should not be practised (1 Corinthians 13:10). But can we still pray for healing? The answer is “Yes!” While we thank God for all the medical help and support that aid in our healing, we should also seek Him for His help in healing us.

The prayer of faith

“And the prayer of faith will save the sick,” (James 5:15)

1. The Apostle James wrote that we should offer the prayer of faith to save the sick.
2. How should we understand the prayer of faith?
3. Faith is most vital as we offer our prayers to the Lord.
4. James had stated earlier that we should ask in faith with no doubt (James 1:6).
5. When we pray exercising our faith, the sick may be saved.
   1. We know that the Lord will bring about His deliverance in healing.
   2. This is something that we can believe in.

The answer of the Lord

“And the Lord will raise him up.” (James 5:15)

1. The Lord will do His part in raising up those who are sick.
2. A good example of someone offering a prayer of faith is Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:1–6).
3. He had become sick and was dying.
4. God told him to set his house in order as he was going to die.
5. Hezekiah pleaded with tears for God to remember how he had walked before Him in truth, loyalty and goodness. He had sought to live righteously before Him.
6. The Lord heard his plea, saw his tears and mercifully gave him another 15 years to live.
7. We thank God that He does hear our prayer of faith and heals us.

Does God answer our prayers and heal all the time?

1. The answer is “No!”
2. It is dependent on the will of God.
3. The Apostle Paul is an excellent example to appreciate.
   1. He is known as a man of faith.
   2. He had prayed for many others to be healed, such as Publius’ father at Malta (Acts 28:8).
   3. Personally, Paul had numerous physical infirmities.
   4. He pleaded with the Lord three times to take away his infirmities (2 Corinthians 12:8).
   5. But the Lord did not answer him.
   6. Instead, the Lord encouraged him to depend on His sufficient grace and strength to bear his sicknesses…“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
   7. Paul chose to rejoice and trust in God’s will.

As we face challenges in life, such as illnesses, let us pray to God in faith and trust, knowing that He will heal us according to His will.

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