Devotion for January 26, 2021 from Pastor Tim Huff of Holy Trinity:
“I cried to you for help, Yahweh my God, and you healed me.”
Psalm 30:2
Most of us, at any given time, know at least a handful of people who are battling an illness of some kind. One of those people might even be us.
During the last 10 months we have faced greater fear over the mere possibility of sickness, as well as the realistic impact this could have on those with pre-existing medical conditions. One resource that can bring peace and comfort during these trying times is Scripture, especially referencing it for healing passages.
“Yahweh is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Psalm 34:18
Whether our ailment is physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional, praying for healing, as well as strength to cope, is helpful. Healing Bible verses have been providing comfort and guidance to readers for thousands of years, as they point to the One who has the power to ease burdens. With anxieties increasing from COVID, hardships being experienced from managing symptoms of underlying health concerns, doubt and frustration bubbling up from rising numbers of cases and deaths each day, and painful sufferings being dealt with on a regular basis, as well as pain caused from racism, depression, unemployment and hate The Word and prayer can help bring about healing and peace within these challenging circumstances.
Whatever you are currently up against, I hope the healing scriptures I have included will help give you relief and renewal, and alleviate some of the tension that comes from handling extremely difficult situations.
“Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for my strength is gone. Heal me, for I am afraid to my very bones, and my soul is full of anguish.”
Psalm 6:2-3
I share with you portions of the Evangelical Lutheran Book of Worship’s Brief Order for Healing:
Our Lord Jesus healed many as a sign of the reign of God come near and sent the disciples to continue this work of healing—with prayer, the laying on of hands, and anointing. In the name of Christ, the great healer and reconciler of the world, we now entrust to God all who are in need of healing.
“Heal me, Yahweh, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, you whom I praise.”
Jeremiah 17:14
Prayers of Intercession
Loving God, we give you thanks for the gifts of life on earth, for our human bodies and all you have created. In your great mercy, hear our prayer.
Merciful God, by the wounds of your Son we are healed. Bring your saving health to all people. In your great mercy, hear our prayer.
Restoring God, your Son Jesus brought the gift of healing and wholeness. Bring your healing presence now to all who are in any distress. In your great mercy, hear our prayer.
Almighty God, source of human knowledge, give skill, wisdom, and compassion to all who provide medical care. In your great mercy, hear our prayer.
Sustaining God, give gentleness and courage to family members, friends, and caregivers and all who are suffering. In your great mercy, hear our prayer.
God of great and abundant mercy, with your presence sustain all for whom we pray, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Blessing
Almighty God, who is a strong tower to all, to whom all things in Heaven and on earth bow and obey, be now and evermore your sure defense, and help you to know that the name given to us for health and salvation is the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
“God heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3
Pastor Tim Huff