Lord, teach us to pray for the sick.
"Only" a Prayer Meeting • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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One of the most ironic sequences of dialogue in Scripture is when the disciples ask Jesus how to pray (Luke 11:1). What makes it ironic isn’t the fact that they’re asking Jesus to teach them something. Jesus was God. He was wise, and they constantly referred to him as Rabbi and Teacher. This request stands out because this is the only record in Scripture when the disciples ask Jesus to teach them.
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Context of the request:
Context of the request:
The Power of Jesus’ Example: His practice of prayer inspired them more than any sermon.
Desire for Spiritual Growth: The disciples weren’t content with surface religion—they wanted deeper communion.
Prayer as a Learned Practice: This verse supports the idea that prayer can be taught and learned.
Contrast with Religious Routine: The disciples weren’t asking how to repeat rituals—they were asking for something real and relational.
I have always wanted to go to Basecamp of Mt Everest. Why? The view, the challenge, no just so I could start stories with it. Well, my request to learn to pray for the sick didnt come from Basecamp.
Laying a Foundation: What Is Prayer?
Laying a Foundation: What Is Prayer?
It’s been said that “definitions must always be the starting point for … two people entering into meaningful discussion.”
Once saved always saved - conversation
We must define prayer rightly because misunderstanding it leads to misusing it.
We must define prayer rightly because misunderstanding it leads to misusing it.
A. Prayer is often misunderstood—even by those who regularly use the word.
Like common words such as so, prayer is more easily used than defined.
Assumptions about prayer are widespread but often shallow or flawed.
Misdefining prayer leads to misapplying its purpose and practice.
B. Many common definitions fall short or are misleading.
“Prayer is talking to God like a friend” oversimplifies holy communion.
“Prayer is demanding or decreeing from God” wrongly elevates our authority.
“Prayer is aligning with God’s will” is partly true but can minimize intercession.
“Prayer is wishful thinking” removes power, intention, and biblical grounding.
C. We need a definition rooted in the whole story of Scripture, not just personal experience.
Without a biblical framework, prayer becomes sentimental, selfish, or shallow.
Illustration: Like the man who gifted his mom an expensive parrot only to hear she ate it—wrong interpretation leads to tragic misapplication.
2: Prayer is biblically defined as calling on God to fulfill His promises.
2: Prayer is biblically defined as calling on God to fulfill His promises.
A. Prayer begins in Genesis as a response to God’s promises.
Genesis 4:26 – “Then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.”
26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
This phrase marks the first recorded instance of prayer post-Eden.
Calling on the Lord reflects hope in His covenant, not wishful thinking.
B. To call on God's name is to appeal to His character and trust His covenant.
Genesis 3:15 – God promises a Seed to crush the serpent’s head.
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
In Genesis 4, the line of Seth calls out in hope for this Redeemer.
1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.
2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?
10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand;
12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.
15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
16 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
17 And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.
18 And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech.
19 And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.
20 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
21 And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.
25 And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.
26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
Psalm 116:4 – “Then called I upon the name of the LORD, O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.”
4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
C. “Prayer is calling on God to come through on His promise.”
It is gospel-shaped communication rooted in redemption.
Revelation 22:20 – “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Prayer begins and ends in gospel hope.
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Why Pray If God Promised?
Why Pray If God Promised?
3: Prayer is God's prescription for life in a fallen world.
3: Prayer is God's prescription for life in a fallen world.
A. Like a prescription, prayer gives hope even before our situation changes.
Psalm 13 shows David moving from despair to praise—without changed circumstances.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Psalm 13:1 – “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD?”
1 How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
Psalm 13:6 – “I will sing unto the LORD… he hath dealt bountifully with me.”
6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
B. Prayer connects us to God’s promises and comforts us in trials.
We don’t need all the answers—we need God’s presence and faithfulness.
Philippians 4:6–7 – “Be careful for nothing… the peace of God… shall keep your hearts…”
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
C. Prayer helps us persevere by shifting focus from “When will you?” to “Will you?”
It’s more about trust in God’s timing than our control of outcomes.
Lamentations 3:25 – “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him…”
25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
4: Jesus encourages prayer by reminding us of its value, power, and reward.
4: Jesus encourages prayer by reminding us of its value, power, and reward.
A. Jesus teaches that our Father sees us and hears us with love and reward.
Matthew 6:6 – “Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
God’s watchfulness is not surveillance but shepherd-like care.
B. Jesus reminds us that prayers are measured by their strength, not their length.
Matthew 6:7 – “Use not vain repetitions… for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking.”
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Sincerity, not verbosity, is what God desires.
C. Jesus teaches us how to pray—not just that we should.
Luke 11:1 – “Lord, teach us to pray…”
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Matthew 6:9 – “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven…”
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Conclusion: What is prayer?
Conclusion: What is prayer?
Prayer is not casual chatter, coercive declaration, or private therapy.
Prayer is calling on the name of the Lord, based on His character, in hope for His promises.
Prayer is God's provision for life in a broken world, and Jesus both models and empowers it.
Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace…”
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Why Pray If God Promised?
Why Pray If God Promised?
Because God’s promises are not excuses for passivity—they are invitations to pray boldly.
Few truths are as comforting as the sovereignty of God. He declares “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10), and He works “all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11). Yet this sovereignty is not a reason to pray less—it’s the reason we can pray with confidence.
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
In James 5:14–15, God promises that “the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” So why still pray?
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
1. Because God Plans to Fulfill His Promises Through Our Prayers
1. Because God Plans to Fulfill His Promises Through Our Prayers
“When God makes and carries out his plans, he plans for us to pray.”
Just as God promised deliverance to Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:6–7), He still required Hezekiah to pray. After receiving God’s promise, Hezekiah didn’t relax—he spread the Assyrian threat before the Lord and cried out (Isaiah 37:14–20). Only then does God say, “Because you have prayed to me...” (Isaiah 37:21).
6 And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.
7 Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.
14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
15 And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,
16 O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.
17 Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
18 Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,
19 And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.
20 Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.
21 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:
Prayer was the appointed means of God’s intervention.
In the same way, when we pray for the sick, we’re not overcoming God’s reluctance—we’re laying hold of His willingness (Matthew 7:7–11). He delights to heal, comfort, and restore—but often through our prayers (James 5:16; Acts 28:8).
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
2. Because Prayer Honors God’s Sovereignty, Not Undermines It
2. Because Prayer Honors God’s Sovereignty, Not Undermines It
“Prayer is a humble appeal from our impotency to God’s omnipotence.” —William Gurnall
When we pray for the sick, we’re not trying to change God’s eternal plan—we’re participating in it. Prayer doesn’t twist His will; it accomplishes His will in His way and His time (Philippians 2:13). The sovereignty of God is not a ceiling that limits prayer—it’s the floor we stand on when we pray.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
3. Because God's Sovereignty Inspires Boldness, Not Laziness
3. Because God's Sovereignty Inspires Boldness, Not Laziness
Hezekiah didn’t stop praying once he heard the promise. In fact, the promise gave him the courage to pray more. God's commitment to act is not a reason to stop praying; it's the very reason we can pray—expectantly, persistently, and humbly.
“The sovereign God hangs the universe on the prayers of his people, and then inspires and empowers them to pray.”
When we pray for the sick, we are trusting that God is still the Great Physician—and that even if healing doesn't come in the way we hope, His grace will be sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Whether God heals through medicine, miracles, or eternal rest, He does so faithfully, and often in response to the earnest prayers of His people.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
4. Because Jesus Taught Us to Pray, Even When the Father Knows All Things
4. Because Jesus Taught Us to Pray, Even When the Father Knows All Things
Jesus prayed, “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10), not because God needed reminding, but because we need to align our hearts with His purposes. He taught us to “pray always, and not faint” (Luke 18:1). That includes praying for healing, even when we trust God already knows the outcome.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Conclusion: Because You Prayed…
Conclusion: Because You Prayed…
God said to Hezekiah: “Because you have prayed to me…” (Isaiah 37:21). Not in spite of your prayer or regardless of your prayer—but because you prayed.
21 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:
So, why pray if God promised? Because your prayer may be the very means God has chosen to fulfill His promise. The sovereign God ordains both the end and the means—and one of those means is your faithful, humble, dependent prayer.
When you pray for the sick, you are stepping into God's plan with bold trust, clinging to His promises not as crutches for comfort—but as swords for battle.
The First Principles of Prayer
The First Principles of Prayer
1: True prayer must always align with the will of God, which governs both the content and the conditions of effective prayer.
1: True prayer must always align with the will of God, which governs both the content and the conditions of effective prayer.
A. Prayer is not about persuading God to act on our terms, but about cooperating with His sovereign and moral purposes.
1 John 5:14 – “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”
14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
Matthew 6:10 – “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
B. We can know the will of God through His revealed Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
John 16:13 – “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…”
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
C. Even when God's will is unclear or painful, we pray in submission, not passivity—offering our will to be transformed, not eliminated.
Luke 22:42 – “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness…”
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
True prayer must be offered in the name of Christ, which means it must be grounded in His work, character, and union with us.
True prayer must be offered in the name of Christ, which means it must be grounded in His work, character, and union with us.
A. To pray in Christ’s name is to rely on His atonement as our access to God and assurance of being heard.
Hebrews 10:19–20 – “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…”
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
John 14:13 – “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
B. To pray in Christ’s name is to seek what He seeks, not what serves selfish or worldly desires.
James 4:3 – “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
John 15:16 – “...whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
C. To pray in Christ’s name is to live in vital union with Him—so closely united that His desires become ours.
John 15:7 – “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
1 John 3:22–24 – “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments…”
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
True prayer must be empowered by the Holy Spirit, who teaches, inspires, and intercedes within us.
True prayer must be empowered by the Holy Spirit, who teaches, inspires, and intercedes within us.
A. The Spirit assures us of Christ’s presence and draws us into intimate fellowship with God.
John 14:16–17 – “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter… even the Spirit of truth…”
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Romans 8:9 – “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
B. The Spirit gives us confidence in prayer by witnessing to our sonship and enabling us to cry “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15 – “But ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Galatians 4:6 – “God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
C. The Spirit intercedes with and for us, shaping our prayers according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26–27 – “The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered…”
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
1 Corinthians 2:10–12 – “...the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God... that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
What passages inform our understanding of praying for the sick?
What passages inform our understanding of praying for the sick?
Don’t let suffering drive you away. It is easy to become weary sharing in someone’s suffering. Prayer is essential to faithfulness.
1. Mark 6:13
1. Mark 6:13
13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
“And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.”
Jesus’ disciples were sent out and practiced healing prayer and anointing with oil.
Indicates continuity between Jesus’ ministry and early church practice.
2. Luke 4:40
2. Luke 4:40
40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
“Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.”
Jesus personally laid hands on the sick and prayed, setting a model for pastoral care and healing ministry.
3. Matthew 8:16–17
3. Matthew 8:16–17
16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
“...and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias...”
Jesus' healing ministry is seen as a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 53).
1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Reinforces the idea that prayer for the sick is part of God’s redemptive work.
4. 2 Kings 20:1–5
4. 2 Kings 20:1–5
1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,
3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,
5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
“Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die... Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD...”
King Hezekiah prays in his sickness, and God hears, extends his life, and gives a confirming sign.
Shows the power of personal prayer in desperate times.
5. Psalm 30:2
5. Psalm 30:2
2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
“O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.”
A psalm of David acknowledging healing as a result of prayer.
Expresses gratitude and affirms that healing comes from the Lord.
6. 3 John 1:2
6. 3 John 1:2
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
A pastoral prayer for both spiritual and physical health.
Though not a formal prayer, it reflects the apostolic desire to see believers flourish in body and soul.
7. Acts 28:8
7. Acts 28:8
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
“Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.”
Paul prays for Publius’ father, demonstrating apostolic healing through prayer and laying on of hands.
8. Philippians 2:25–27
8. Philippians 2:25–27
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
“Epaphroditus... was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him...”
Though not explicitly mentioning prayer, this passage assumes prayer was made, and God’s mercy brought healing.
9. Isaiah 38:16
9. Isaiah 38:16
16 O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.
“O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.”
A reflection on God's restorative power in response to prayer.
10. James 5:14–16
10. James 5:14–16
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord...”
Clear instruction to pray for the physically sick.
Emphasizes calling the elders, anointing with oil, the prayer of faith, and confession of sin.
While all of these passages are important, each serves a different purpose in shaping our understanding of prayer for the sick. In the Old Testament, we see God’s heart of compassion toward the sick and the call to look to Him as our healer. In the Gospels and Acts, we witness the power of Christ to heal, and we see that healing is ultimately meant to bring glory to God.
But it is in James 5 that we are given clear, practical instructions for how the church is to pray for the sick today—through the involvement of spiritual leaders, the anointing with oil, and the prayer of faith, all offered in humility and submission to God’s will.
1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
James 5:13–16 (KJV)
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
We see three prayers
We see three prayers
One for self v.13
One by the elders v.14
One by the congregation v.16
Reminders
Reminders
1. Oil Is Symbolic, Not Sacramental
1. Oil Is Symbolic, Not Sacramental
Baptists reject sacramentalism, so they do not view oil as a means of grace or a channel of healing in itself.
Oil symbolizes consecration, the Holy Spirit, and God's care (cf. Psalm 23:5; Mark 6:13).
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
It is often understood as a visible sign of a believer being set apart for God’s special care and healing.
2. Prayer Is Central—Not the Oil
2. Prayer Is Central—Not the Oil
The emphasis is on “the prayer of faith”—not the oil itself—as the means God uses to bring healing.
God is the healer, and He may answer with physical healing, spiritual restoration, or sustaining grace.
Prayer is offered with faith and submission to God’s will (cf. Luke 22:42).
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
3. The Sick Person Should Take Initiative
3. The Sick Person Should Take Initiative
The passage says, “Let him call for the elders of the church.”
This teaches that the one who is ill should request the prayer, showing a posture of humility and dependence.
This helps guard against coercion or inappropriate use of the practice.
4. The Elders Lead the Prayer and Anointing
4. The Elders Lead the Prayer and Anointing
Plurality of elders (pastors) is often emphasized, in keeping with Baptist polity and local church leadership structure.
The elders pray over the person (often by laying on hands) and anoint with oil, usually placing a small amount on the forehead.
5. Anointing Is Reserved for Serious or Chronic Illness
5. Anointing Is Reserved for Serious or Chronic Illness
Most Baptists do not see this as a general practice for every illness (like a cold or flu).
It is often reserved for:
Chronic conditions
Life-threatening illness
Pre-surgical prayer
Spiritual distress caused by illness
A Prayer for Rhonda Wilson
Heavenly Father,
We come to You now, calling on Your name—not because we are strong, but because You are. You are our refuge, our healer, our ever-present help in time of trouble.
Lord, You know every detail of Rhonda Wilson’s condition. You formed her heart before she drew her first breath, and You know exactly what it needs today. We ask, in the name of Jesus, that You would come through on Your promises of grace, strength, and presence.
Your Word says that the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and we hold fast to that truth—not demanding, but trusting. We anoint her with our prayers, asking that You might bring healing, whether by miracle, medicine, or mercy.
But more than anything, Lord, we ask that You would uphold Rhonda’s heart—physically, yes—but also spiritually. Give her peace that passes understanding. Comfort her with the assurance that she is held in Your hands. Help her to rest in the hope of the gospel: that Christ has conquered death, and nothing can separate her from Your love.
Strengthen her family. Grant wisdom to her doctors. Fill her days with reminders that she is deeply loved.
And in all of this, may Your name be glorified.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
