Prayer for the Suffering

I've often found myself lacking the "right" words to pray for those I love who are suffering.

I could pray, "Lord, be with them." But isn't he with them always?

I'd like to pray, "Lord, let your purpose come about through their suffering." And I do believe his purposes come about through our suffering, but does that lack compassion or empathy for someone in the desperate holds of pain?

So, I've prayed, "Let them wake up this morning free of their pain, Lord!" But healing doesn't always rise out of those prayers.

Yes, I often find myself in short supply of the words and wisdom that would carry my friends into the comforting presence of Jesus my savior.

Jesus healed; he did. But he came to preach the good news. ¹ His primary purpose on this earth was not to perform miracles, though he did many, but to bring good news, to teach, to open eyes and set people free, to proclaim the Lord's favor. ² At times, I find myself approaching Jesus in prayer like the leper he healed with his touch: "Lord, if you are willing, you are able to heal my brother, if you are willing you are able to lift my sister out of her suffering." If you are willing. In a world that avoids offense and inconvenience, and views pain as the enemy of joy, we as the church must be careful to keep such a humble and submitted attitude in our prayers, knowing that if he is willing, he is able. God is able.

As I lean into prayer, I find words rising out of my intentions as I start to think of Jesus in his compassion coming to preach, coming to teach, coming to bring good news, and I start to pray more fervently,

"Lord, teach them your purpose in their suffering. Show them there is a reason, this is not random."

"Show them how you suffered so they may know the power of your resurrection."

"Give them compassion for those who suffer, so they may comfort others as you comfort them."

"Teach them the attitude of gratitude that flows from a dependent heart and eyes fixed on you."

The scripture teaches us that the sovereignty of God is over our suffering; he is with us in it. This is for his glory. So, as we pray for our friends, let us pray with humble and submitted hearts in view of his sovereignty and perfect will, knowing that healing will come for them, if not while they dwell in the land of the living, then "over yonder", as they say. We will see our friends, those we love, our brothers and sisters, and even we ourselves, robed in perfection and freed of all suffering in eternal and everlasting joy. True joy.

Scripture References

¹ Mark 1:38

² Luke 4:19