Health problems are the worst, right? They’re like a bully that’s twice your size, messing with every area of your life, draining your energy, stealing your hope, and making you afraid of the future. If you’re reading this article, you know what it’s like to go through a health crisis of your own or of a loved one.
Whether you're facing illness or emotional pain, these simple prayers for healing can help you talk to God and find peace.
👉 Looking for some of the best example prayers for healing? Jump to the prayer list.
Maybe your health challenge has been a chronic issue for years, or maybe you’re facing a surprise diagnosis that blindsided you and your family. Either way, we can still find hope and peace in the middle of uncertainty. How? Well, health problems are like a big bully, but we know someone even bigger, and He’s on our side.
Below, you’ll find 13 of the best example prayers for healing. You'll also find answers to some big questions about God and healing. Keep an eye out for the ✨ Quick Summary sections if you'd like to scan through the article quickly.
Table of Contents:
Will God Heal Me?
✨ Quick Summary: God has the power to heal both physically and spiritually. The Bible shows many examples of healing, and His power is still active today. The real question isn’t whether He can heal—but whether we trust Him even when healing doesn’t come immediately.
The Bible is full of miraculous healing stories. Whether it’s Naaman’s skin condition being cured through a muddy bath, Jesus helping people walk, or Elijah raising a boy from the dead, the Bible clearly shows us that God has healing power.
Of course, God doesn’t just heal physical injuries or illnesses. He heals spiritual wounds as well. Jesus’ sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection provided a way for anyone to heal their relationship with God. This is why Christians often call Jesus the “Great Physician.”
These stories of physical and spiritual healing are certainly inspiring, and they do a great job of showcasing God’s healing strength. But when you’re facing a personal health crisis like a chronic injury, cancer diagnosis, or sick family member, the question isn’t, “Can God heal?” it’s, “Will God heal me or the person I love?”
In other words, is His divine healing power reserved for people who lived in Bible times, or is it for anyone, anywhere, at any time?
How Do I Pray for Healing?
✨ Quick Summary: There’s no magic formula. Healing prayers are often simple, heartfelt requests. God listens to honest prayers, not perfect ones. Just ask Him for help and trust in His timing.
God doesn’t change. He had the power to heal in the past, and He still has the power to heal today. So how do we access His healing power?
Is there a special healing prayer we need to pray? Or do we need to spend a certain number of hours reading our Bible each week? No, we can’t earn God’s healing or manipulate the Holy Spirit into healing us with the perfect magic prayer.
Instead, we pray for healing by simply asking God for help.
Now you’re probably thinking, Okay, great, but I’ve done that already. If a simple “God help me get better right now” healing prayer worked, I wouldn’t be reading this article now, would I?
Of course not, and we certainly don’t want to sound like we’re oversimplifying such a significant prayer. Instead, we want to point out the evidence from Scripture. When people prayed for healing, it rarely was a prayer filled with sophisticated spiritual words. They don’t all follow the same format, and some aren’t even spoken aloud.
Instead, most of the time, a healing prayer is a simple request to God.
Why Doesn’t God Heal Everyone Right Away?
✨ Quick Summary: We live in a broken world, and not all prayers are answered the way we hope. God’s delay isn’t a sign of punishment—it’s part of a bigger story of redemption and restoration.
You’ve probably prayed for your or your family members’ sickness before, but God hasn’t healed them yet. You may even be in the hospital right now, looking for hope despite a negative medical report. That can be devastating.
When we’re dealing with a bad diagnosis or a sick family member, it’s easy to feel like God is against us. Maybe you’re even asking questions like, “Is God punishing me?” Or, “Does God hate me?”
After all, that’s logical, right? If God can heal but doesn’t heal me after countless prayers for healing, then there must be a reason. And there is, but it’s not God’s lack of power or care.
Instead, it’s the result of living in a broken world. A world full of hazards, viruses, disorders, disasters, selfish choices, and devastating accidents.
The story of the Bible acknowledges and accepts the worst life has to offer, but at the same time, insists that God is in the process of making all things new.
How Does God Heal People?
✨ Quick Summary: God heals in many ways—sometimes instantly, sometimes through doctors, and sometimes over time. Healing may not be immediate, but God is always working for our good.
But what about you today? Why hasn’t God healed you yet? We can’t know for sure. Maybe it simply isn’t the moment God has chosen to bring healing. Often, Jesus healed people with lifelong problems in a moment. They’d probably said healing prayers for years, but God had a specific moment in mind to heal them.
Or, God might want to use others to help you heal. Some of the oldest hospitals in the world were started by Christians. That’s because their founders recognized that faithful Christ followers could be the answer to countless people’s prayers for healing. So keep showing up to medical appointments, and don’t ignore the signs your God-given body is telling (or shouting at) you.
But What if He Doesn’t Heal?
✨ Quick Summary: Even when healing doesn’t come, God is still good. The story of Job reminds us to trust God’s character, even when we don’t understand His actions.
Sometimes, people sought out Jesus for healing, but He didn’t come to heal them. Why? Well, He went on to endure trauma and death for the good of all people. So it can’t be because He didn’t care. Instead, there must be some other reason why God doesn’t heal everyone all at once.
The Book of Job is one long exploration of this tension. In it, Job essentially asks all of the big questions you’ve probably asked. Questions like, “Why does God allow suffering?” “Why does He let bad things happen to good people?” “Will God answer my prayers for healing?” and, “What did I do to deserve this?” The story ends with none of the questions being fully answered.
Instead, Job is asked a series of questions that boil down to one big question, “Do we trust that God is good, that He loves us, and that He is working all things together for our good?” Because if we do, we can follow Him no matter what we’re facing.
But What if God Doesn’t Heal Me?
✨ Quick Summary: Even when healing doesn’t come, God is still good. The story of Job reminds us to trust God’s character, even when we don’t understand His actions.
Sometimes, people sought out Jesus for healing, but He didn’t come to heal them. Why? Well, He went on to endure trauma and death for the good of all people. So it can’t be because He didn’t care. Instead, there must be some other reason why God doesn’t heal everyone all at once.
The Book of Job is one long exploration of this tension. In it, Job essentially asks all of the big questions you’ve probably asked. Questions like, “Why does God allow suffering?” “Why does He let bad things happen to good people?” “Will God answer my prayers for healing?” and, “What did I do to deserve this?” The story ends with none of the questions being fully answered.
Instead, Job is asked a series of questions that boil down to one big question, “Do we trust that God is good, that He loves us, and that He is working all things together for our good?” Because if we do, we can follow Him no matter what we’re facing.
So, Is It Even Worth Praying for Healing?
✨ Quick Summary: Yes. Prayer connects us to God, builds our faith, and invites His presence into our pain. Whether healing comes or not, prayer is always worth it.
Of course.
God can and does heal people every day, all over the world. Sometimes, it’s a miraculous healing. Other times, it’s through the diligent work of nurses, doctors, and other health professionals. Often, it’s a mix of both.
But God is good, regardless of how He responds to our prayers.
In the Book of Daniel, three friends defy a king when he demands they abandon their faith. When they’re threatened with a horrifying death, they respond with courage. They declare that God has the power to save them, but even if He doesn’t save them, they will never stop worshiping God.
So let’s pray these healing prayers with complete confidence, trusting that God is the ultimate healer. And no matter the result, we know that our prayers bring us closer to our loving God, who wants to comfort, strengthen, and encourage us while we wait.
The Power of Praying for Healing
✨ Quick Summary: Jesus calmed storms and healed people—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. He’s still with us in our storms, offering peace and strength.
One of the most well-known stories in Jesus’ life is about the calming of a great storm. The story starts with His followers traveling by boat when a storm strikes. They’re unprepared to face it. Panicking, they realize they might die. The entire time this happens, Jesus sleeps peacefully.
Instead of looking at Jesus’ reaction to their situation, the disciples allowed their situation to dictate their reactions. After begging Jesus to do something, He calms the storm, but not before asking them, “Why are you afraid?”
His gentle rebuke wasn’t because the disciples didn’t believe Jesus could save them from the storm, but because they struggled to believe He would see them through it. They knew He was in their boat. They just didn’t understand what He could do.
- He was their strength through the storm and over the storm.
- He was their provider, protector, healer, and leader.
He was their source of peace and power.
No matter what your current storm looks like—Jesus is near.
And the same God who was with the disciples in the boat is with us. No matter what your current storm looks like—Jesus is near. There is not a situation you have gone through that He hasn’t endured beside you.
Knowing that Jesus is close doesn’t make your health challenges easy, but it’s much easier to keep fighting when you know you have someone on your side, especially when that Someone is so much bigger than the challenge you’re facing.
Keep Pursuing Jesus as You Wait for Healing
✨ Quick Summary: Waiting is hard, but it’s not wasted. Stay close to Jesus, and let prayer deepen your faith. God is faithful, even in the waiting.
Jesus was and is, and is to come. He was there at the beginning of time and will be there at the end of it. He has seen every event in human history and will not forsake anyone who cries out for Him and trusts in Him.
Nothing is impossible for God, and His character never changes. He is for you and not against you—that’s why you don’t have to let fear overwhelm you.
Prayer creates closeness with God. And the closer we get to Him, the more evident the fruit of the Spirit becomes in our lives. So keep pursuing Him as you pray for healing. His healing hand can bring you peace in your pain, joy in hardship, and faithfulness to keep trusting Him.
God Will Make All Things New
✨ Quick Summary: The Bible promises a future where all pain and sickness are gone. That hope gives us strength to endure today’s challenges with faith.
Have you ever accidentally seen the end of a movie first? Knowing the ending shapes the way you understand the rest of the story.
Well, if you skip to the last few chapters of the Bible, you’ll skip over a lot of really good stuff—but you’ll also see how God will one day make all things right again. That promise for the future can shape the way we live today.
He will restore things that are lost, repair things that are broken, bring true peace, heal fragmented things, and make everything new.
The Bible tells us He will wipe away every tear and heal every broken heart and body.
The promises of God give us hope to endure difficult seasons. We know that even though things might be painful now, they won’t be that way forever. One day, God will bring physical healing to the broken world, and we will live in the fullness of the complete emotional and spiritual healing Christ Jesus brings to all His people.
Hope While We’re Waiting
✨ Quick Summary: Joy is coming, even if it’s not here yet. Hold on to God’s promises and live faithfully while you wait for healing.
As the psalmist says, weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. That “morning” might not be tomorrow morning or even a morning next week. But one day, God's healing hand will heal all things, leading to a bright new morning in which everything will be just as He wants.
Until that time, we are tasked with living faithful lives to God while holding tight to the promises and hope that He gives us. Scripture is filled with other promises that God gives us to hold onto in various seasons of our lives.
So as we prepare to explore these prayers for healing, take a moment to think of a few of God’s promises that are true for you today. Meditate on them. Let them fill you with hope as you follow after God.
13 of the Best Example Prayers for Healing
God can bring healing, so pray to Him with confidence. Trust that He’s with you through His Holy Spirit, strengthening and comforting you. To be clear, none of these prayers for healing are magical prayers that guarantee instant divine healing. Instead, they’re designed to help you kick-start your next prayer time.
Below, you’ll find some of the best example prayers for healing—each one designed to help you connect with God, reflect on His power to restore, and find peace in the midst of pain.
1. Short Prayer for Healing
Dear God, nothing is beyond Your power. Nothing. So today, I ask You to restore my health in the name of Jesus Christ. Please encourage me despite situations that seem so bleak and broken. Help me to share Your hope with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Prayer to Feel Better
Heavenly Father, You know exactly what I’m going through right now. You’re not surprised or intimidated by it. Thank You for always being near to me. You never fail me. Today, please remind me how close You are. As I reach out to You, please come and rescue me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. Prayer for Getting Well Soon
Father, God, even when my health circumstances are challenging—I know You are good. When everything seems to be going wrong, I trust that You are working everything together for good. I have faith in Your plans and trust You can return me to full health. Thank You for being the one I can count on. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. Prayer for a Sick Friend or Family Member
Dear Lord, You have the power to bring healing to anyone. So please help my sick friend or family member. Remind them of Your presence through Your Holy Spirit. You are a gracious God, and so I ask that You provide my loved one with complete health. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. Prayer for Complete Healing
Lord Jesus, thank You for promising to walk with me through sickness and pain. My spirit and body feel broken, but I know I can trust You. Thank You for being a God who can sympathize with me. Fill me now with Your healing strength and provide me with complete healing. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. Prayer for Health Worries
Dear God, Please take my burdens and remove my health worries. Replace all my insecurities and anxieties with Your peace. Make my soul responsive to Your voice, and teach me to trust in Your faithfulness. Restore my joy and provide me with emotional health. Please give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. Prayer for Good News From the Doctor
Heavenly Father, I’m anxious about the future. Please help me to have hope in You. Don’t let me get stuck imagining worst-case scenarios. Instead, fill me with confidence, knowing that You walk closely beside me no matter what happens. In Jesus’ name, amen.
8. Prayer for Emotional Healing
Lord Jesus, my heart is heavy. I release my burdens to You. I lay them down and surrender them to You. Thank You for caring about my emotional well-being and for holding me in my weakness and weariness. Show me how to rest and refuel in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
9. Prayer for Pain Relief
Dear Lord, I need Your healing touch today. I’m facing constant pain, and I’m struggling. So please show me Your healing grace today, whether through divine intervention or the work of medical professionals. Thank You for standing beside me in the fight. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
10. Prayer for Miraculous Healing
Heavenly Father, I need a miraculous healing today. The news from the doctors isn’t good, but I know Your healing power is great enough to overcome any health problem. I trust You are with me right now, even as I face my biggest trial. I ask You to miraculously heal me today so I can live more years in good health. I trust my life to Your healing hands, as always. In Jesus’ name, amen.
11. Prayer for Chronic Illness
Lord Jesus, I’ve been fighting this health battle for a long time. And, to be honest, it’s hard to keep going. I continue to trust that renewed health is possible through You. So please fill me with courage and resilience as I face these obstacles. And help me continue to feel Your Holy Spirit’s closeness in my health journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.
12. Prayer for Healing from Cancer
Heavenly Father, cancer is awful. I know it, and You know it, too. I want to keep fighting, but I feel physically, mentally, and spiritually drained. So I ask for divine strength and healing today, both for my body and my mind. Please annihilate the cancer in me and restore me to good health. And please help me to have unwavering faith in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
13. Prayer for Healing From Disease
Lord Jesus, I want to get well. Would You help me? I’ve been battling this disease, and I want it to stop. Please bring me relief and comfort. Thank You for Your constant presence through the Holy Spirit. I trust You and believe You can restore health and bring renewal. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5 Bible Verses on Healing
When you’re praying for healing, it can be powerful to include Scripture. God's Word reminds us of His promises, His power, and His deep love for us. Here are some Bible verses you can pray over yourself or your loved ones as you seek healing:
1. Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. -Jeremiah 17:14 NIV
2. James 5:14-15
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. -James 5:14-15 NIV
3. Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. -Isaiah 53:5 NIV
4. Psalm 103:2-3
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. -Psalm 103:2-3 NIV
5. Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isaiah 41:10 NIV
Keep Praying
✨ Quick Summary: Don’t give up. God is near, and your prayers matter. Keep seeking Him, and share these prayers with others who need hope and healing.
Continue reflecting on these prayers for healing in the coming weeks and infuse them into your prayer life. Allow them to be a reminder that God is near and God's love is with you in your health challenges. And if you know someone who needs healing, share one of these prayers with them today.
No matter what you’re facing today, God promises infinite joy for anyone who knows and follows Him. So don’t give up. Keep praying and keep fighting, knowing that a better future is coming.
More Example Prayers
For more helpful and hopeful prayers, check out one of these articles:
- Prayers for Surgery and Recovery
- Prayers for Strength and Hope
- Prayers for Anxiety
- Prayers for Comfort
Can We Pray With You?
If you’d like someone to pray for your current health concerns or for a sick friend or family member, then simply fill out this free online prayer request form. When you do, our prayer team will join you in your prayers for healing and reach out with additional encouragement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prayers for Healing
Can God really heal me?
Yes, God has the power to heal both physically and spiritually. The Bible is filled with stories of miraculous healing, and many people today still experience healing through prayer, faith, and medical care.
How do I pray for healing?
You don’t need fancy words—just speak honestly to God. Ask Him for help, strength, and healing. Many healing prayers are simple, heartfelt requests for God’s presence and power.
Why hasn’t God healed me yet?
Sometimes healing doesn’t happen right away—or in the way we expect. God may be working through doctors, timing, or even using the situation to grow your faith. His delay doesn’t mean He doesn’t care.
Is it okay to keep praying even if I don’t see results?
Absolutely. Persistent prayer builds your relationship with God. Even when healing doesn’t come immediately, prayer brings peace, strength, and hope.
What if God never heals me or my loved one?
God’s love isn’t proven by whether or not He heals. He promises to be with us in every trial and to one day make all things new. Healing may come in this life—or in eternity.
Are there specific Bible verses I can pray for healing?
Yes! Verses like Jeremiah 17:14, Isaiah 53:5, and James 5:14-15 are powerful reminders of God’s healing promises. You can pray these verses over yourself or others.
Can I ask others to pray for me?
Definitely. Asking for prayer is a sign of faith and community. Many churches and ministries (like this one) offer prayer support for those in need.