Studies on Prayer: Vol. 1Sample

An elderly man was in the hallway studying the board that listed prayer requests. When asked, “What are you up to,” he responded by saying, “Just making sure my name isn’t on this board. If I’m not a prayer request, I know I’m okay!”

We often pray for people who need physical healing. It is an equal calling to pray for people who need spiritual healing. It has been said that Christians spend more time praying people out of heaven than out of hell.

King David was older, ill and felt less able to face the Goliaths in his life. But David knew that God’s strength and favor were the medicine he needed most. He prayed for his physical health to be restored but he also prayed for spiritual help to strengthen his relationships with God and others. Billy Graham said, “You cannot pray for someone and hate them at the same time. Even if you are asking God to restrain their evil actions, you should also be praying that He will change their hearts. Only eternity will reveal the impact of our prayers for others.”

1. According to David, who is blessed and why (Psalm 41:1–3)? Why should this verse be read as a possibility rather than a promise?

2. Why might some people offer prayer requests, or even prayers, with wrong motives?

3. What are some of the most difficult challenges for a person who is dealing with a chronic or long-term illness? How should we pray for them spiritually, as well as physically?

4. What is the source of King David’s spiritual strength during this time? (Psalm 41:10–11)

“I venture to say that the greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us is health, with the exception of sickness. Sickness has frequently been more use to the saints of God than health has.” —Charles Spurgeon

For more devotionals like this, go to https://www.foundationswithjanet.org/