Day 3: Healing: Personal and Relationships

Read It: Matthew 9:18-26

18 While He was saying these things to them, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples.

20 And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; 21 for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” 22 But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well.

23 When Jesus came into the official’s house, and saw the flute players and the crowd in noisy disorder, 24 He said, “Leave; for the girl has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him. 25 But when the crowd had been sent out, He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 26 This news spread throughout all that land.

Meditate On It:

1. For more context, read the parallel accounts in Mark 5:21-43 and Luke 8:40-56: What was the implication for a synagogue official to ask help from Jesus? What was the condition of his young daughter who needed healing? (vv 18-19)

2. What was the health condition of the woman who touched Jesus’ garment secretly? Why was her action so significant? (vv 20-22)

3. How did Jesus respond to the bleeding woman? (v 22)

4. How did the people respond to Jesus as he approached to heal the young girl? What happened as a result of the healing? (vv 23-26)

Apply It:

This story of two individuals who needed healing portrays how God responds to our desperate prayers and how He brings about supernatural healing. Despite being a synagogue official, the man humbly requested for his daughter to be healed—and even when she is already dead, Jesus was able to raise her back to life. Despite the fear and isolation of the bleeding woman, she courageously reached out by faith to Jesus for her healing. If Jesus can raise the dead and heal infirmities, He can heal our bodies, minds, hearts, and even our relationships that need to be mended.

1. Have I experienced a condition that limited or discouraged me (whether illness, weakness, emotional struggles, or other trials)? How did I respond?

2. How can I depend on the Lord for my healing, restoration, and renewal?

3. Do you have a broken relationship with someone right now that needs restoration? In what way can the Lord bring about healing in your relationship? Set Simple, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, and Time-bound [SMART] commitments. For example, “I will reach out to _____ this week and meet with them to process and pray together.”

4. Take a few moments to intercede for those who are currently ill and in need of spiritual healing and salvation. By faith, pray for _______(mention each person by name), every ______ beginning this week.

Pray It:

Let us confess our unworthiness before the Lord - of His sacrifice and love; for the times we have relied on our own resources and wisdom rather than running to Him first and foremost for our healing and wholeness.

SPIRITUAL HEALING:

• Let us pray in faith for a spiritual breakthrough in the following areas:
  • Pride, self-centeredness, secret sins
  • Idolatry, greed, materialism
  • Sexual purity, self-control, integrity
  • Addictions (alcohol, drugs, pornography, digital/ gaming, gambling, etc.)
  • Bad influences, ungodly relationships, gossip, slander, lying
  • Spiritual warfare and attacks of the enemy (suicidal thoughts & tendencies)
• Confess and ask forgiveness for sin, shortcomings, and any bondage or addiction; seek God's restoration as we repent and surrender

EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALING:

• Let us confess the times we've been overcome by worry; for the times we have relied on our own resources and reasoning for our healing and well-being rather than running to God
• Let us pray for victory in the following areas:
  • Conflict in and among our relationships in the family, at work/school, among friends, or fellow churchmates
  • Unforgiveness
  • Bitterness over past hurts
  • Desire for vengeance
  • Pride, defensiveness, rationalizing sin
  • Being abusive or hurtful towards others
  • Attacks of the enemy, demonic influence
• Ask the Lord for a relational breakthrough and seek His forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration over any conflict or hurt. Let the Holy Spirit provide a spiritual revival for you, with renewed strength and zeal to follow Him faithfully
• Take the time to cast your burdens unto the Lord: any discouragement, anxiety, shortcomings, or fear that get in the way of your relationship with God
• You may know of people who are going through emotional stress or mental health challenges. Pray for each of them by name for the Lord's supernatural healing as well as their salvation

PHYSICAL HEALING:

• As we pray for healing for ourselves or others, let us trust that God will heal in His time and in His way. Instead of demanding or dictating how He should heal, let us remember to pray with child-like faith - believing He is the same Healer yesterday, today, and forevermore
• Ask the Lord for a personal breakthrough in your health and well-being - pray for a heart that seeks God's kingdom above all. Let the Holy Spirit guide your lifestyle so that you may faithfully do your part in caring for your body which is His temple
• Pray for good health as we do our part in eating properly, sleeping adequately, exercising regularly, and practicing soul care daily (spiritual disciplines)

RELATIONAL HEALING:

• Pray that we will be able to love the unlovable and be Christ-like to those who mistreat us or think ill of us
• Ask for humility and forgiveness when we have been an enemy to someone and seek to make amends and restore the relationship