Written By
Desmond Milligan
Healing and wellness are among the deepest desires of the human heart. When sickness strikes or suffering overwhelms us, our natural response is to cry out to God for relief. Prayer for healing is not only a request for physical restoration but also an act of faith, trust, and surrender.
Yet, one of the most difficult realities of life is that God does not always heal us in the way we expect. This raises profound questions: Why do we pray for healing?
Why does God allow suffering? Does the devil play a role in our health struggles? And how can we continue to pray daily for healing and wellness with hope?
This chapter explores these questions, weaving together Scripture, theology, and practical encouragement for believers seeking healing and wellness in their lives.
Why We Pray for Healing
We pray for healing because we believe God is the ultimate source of life and health. Scripture shows us that Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, and restored broken bodies. Prayer for healing is an act of faith that acknowledges God’s power and compassion.
- Prayer invites God’s presence into our suffering.
- Prayer strengthens our spirit even when the body is weak.
- Prayer aligns our desires with God’s will.
James 5:14–15 teaches: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them… And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
Why God Doesn’t Always Heal Us
One of the hardest truths to accept is that God does not always heal us physically. This does not mean He is absent or uncaring. Sometimes healing is delayed, partial, or spiritual rather than physical.
- God’s greater purpose: Healing may not come because God is working a deeper transformation in our lives.
- Grace in weakness: Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was not removed, but God said,
“My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). - Eternal perspective: Physical healing is temporary, but God promises eternal restoration in His kingdom.
Healing is not always the measure of God’s love. Sometimes suffering itself becomes the testimony of His grace.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Suffering is part of the human condition, but Scripture shows that God uses suffering to refine, teach, and draw us closer to Him.
- Romans 5:3–4: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
- Job’s story: Job endured immense suffering, yet his faith revealed God’s sovereignty.
- Jesus’ suffering: Even Christ suffered on the cross, showing that suffering can lead to redemption.
God does not cause suffering out of cruelty. He allows it to shape us, deepen our faith, and remind us of our dependence on Him.
Does God Allow the Devil to Attack Our Health?
Scripture reveals that the devil seeks to harm and destroy, but God sets boundaries. In Job’s story, Satan was allowed to afflict Job physically, but only within limits set by God. This shows that while the devil may attack, God remains sovereign.
- The devil may tempt, discourage, or afflict, but he cannot act outside God’s permission.
- God can use even the devil’s attacks to strengthen our faith.
- Our health struggles are not always punishment but part of the spiritual battle.
Ultimately, God’s plan is for restoration, not destruction.
Can We Pray for Healing Every Day?
Yes, we can and should pray for healing daily. Prayer is not about repeating words but about continually placing our trust in God.
- Daily prayer keeps us connected to God.
- Daily prayer reminds us of His power and compassion.
- Daily prayer strengthens our hope, even when healing is delayed.
Philippians 4:6 encourages us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
A Prayer for Healing and Wellness
Here is a prayer that can be used daily:
Heavenly Father, You are the source of life and the healer of all wounds. I come before You asking for healing and wellness in body, mind, and spirit. If it is Your will, restore my health and strengthen me to serve You faithfully. When healing does not come, grant me patience, courage, and peace. Protect me from the attacks of the enemy, and let Your grace be sufficient in my weakness. I trust in Your love and Your plan for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Romans 5:3–4
Jesus’ Miracles with Children
Jesus showed special compassion for children, healing and restoring them as signs of His kingdom.
Mark 9:25–27: “When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. ‘You deaf and mute spirit,’ he said, ‘I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.’ The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, ‘He’s dead.’ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.”
Other miracles include:
- Raising Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:41–42).
- Healing the official’s son (John 4:50–53).
- Blessing children and welcoming them into His presence (Mark 10:16).
These miracles show that Jesus values children and demonstrates His power to heal and restore.
Healing and Wellness as a Journey
Healing is not always instant. Sometimes it is a process of faith, patience, and surrender. Wellness is more than physical health, it includes emotional peace, spiritual strength, and relational harmony.
- Healing may come through medicine, prayer, or community support.
- Wellness requires balance in body, mind, and spirit.
- God’s ultimate promise is eternal healing in His kingdom.
Conclusion
Healing and wellness are central to the Christian life. We pray for healing because we trust God’s compassion, even when He does not heal us in the way we expect. Suffering is not meaningless; it is often the place where God’s grace shines brightest. Though the devil may attack, God remains sovereign, and His plan is for restoration. We can pray daily for healing, trusting that God hears us. Jesus’ miracles remind us of His power and love, especially for children.
Healing is not only about physical restoration but about spiritual renewal and eternal hope. As parents, believers, and disciples, we must teach our children the Word of God, model faith in suffering, and trust that God’s grace is sufficient for every weakness.
