Praying for others
How to pray for someone who is sick, with verses
· 2 min read
How to pray for someone who is sick, what to ask God for, Bible verses about healing, and ways to support them while you keep praying.
To pray for someone who is sick, name them before God and ask for healing, wisdom for their doctors, relief from pain, and peace while they wait. James tells the church to “pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16), so praying for the sick is something every Christian can do.
What do you pray for someone who is sick?
When you pray for someone who is sick, name them before God and ask for healing, for wisdom and skill for their doctors and nurses, for relief from pain, and for peace while they wait for results. Pray for the people caring for them too. Healing doesn’t always come quickly, so keep praying, and ask God to give them His comfort and hope along the way.
What to pray for someone who is sick
- Healing. Ask God plainly to heal them. He invites us to ask (Philippians 4:6).
- Wisdom for their doctors and nurses. Pray for clear decisions and skilled hands.
- Relief from pain and fear. Ask for rest, sleep, and comfort.
- Peace and faith. Pray they would know God is with them (Psalm 46:1).
- Their family. Pray for the people caring for them.
A short prayer for someone who is sick
“Father, I bring Michael to You. Please heal his body and help him rest. Give his doctors wisdom. Calm his fear and give him peace, and care for his family. Thank You that You hear us. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray for the person by name, with a verse to hold on to.
Bible verses to pray for healing
- “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
- “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him” (James 5:14).
- “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
- “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health” (3 John 2).
When healing doesn’t come quickly
Some illnesses last a long time, and sometimes God doesn’t heal in the way we ask. Paul prayed three times for relief, and God answered, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Keep praying. God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
Support them while you pray
Send a short text that you prayed for them. Bring a meal. Ask how you can keep praying. Your prayers and your presence often go together.
Pray for them each day in The Pray App
Make a prayer card for the person and set it to come up daily while they’re sick. Tag them from your contacts so their name shows while you pray. When you finish, tap the message button to let them know.
After you pray, text them that you prayed.
The Pray App is free on the App Store. See how to pray for others.
Questions people ask
What do you say when praying for someone who is sick?
Name the person and ask God for healing, for wisdom for their doctors, for relief from pain, and for peace and faith while they wait. Thank Him that He hears.
What Bible verse can I pray for healing?
Psalm 147:3 says God "heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." James 5:14-16 tells the church to pray for the sick, and Psalm 46:1 reminds us God is our refuge.
What if God doesn't heal the person?
Keep praying and trust God's care. Paul asked three times for relief and God answered, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9). God is near in suffering even when healing doesn't come the way we hoped.
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