Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, sickness is often seen as a time of trial and testing, yet it is also a period where God's presence and compassion are profoundly experienced. The Bible provides numerous accounts and teachings that affirm God's attentiveness to the prayers of those who are suffering from illness. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding how God hears and responds to the prayers of the sick.Biblical Assurance of God's Attention The Scriptures consistently affirm that God is attentive to the cries of His people, especially in times of distress and sickness. Psalm 34:17-18 declares, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This passage underscores the assurance that God is not distant but is intimately involved in the lives of those who are suffering. Examples of Healing and Divine Response Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who, in their sickness, turned to God in prayer and experienced His healing touch. One of the most notable accounts is that of King Hezekiah. In 2 Kings 20:1-5 , Hezekiah becomes ill and is at the point of death. He prays earnestly to the Lord, and God responds through the prophet Isaiah, saying, "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you." This narrative illustrates God's responsiveness to sincere prayer and His power to heal. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the importance of prayer and faith in times of sickness. James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up." This passage not only highlights the communal aspect of prayer but also the promise of restoration through faith. Jesus' Ministry of Healing Jesus' earthly ministry was marked by numerous healings, demonstrating God's compassion and power over sickness. In Matthew 8:16-17 , it is recorded, "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Him, and He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took on our infirmities and carried our diseases.'" Jesus' actions reveal God's heart for the sick and His willingness to intervene in their lives. The Role of Faith and Persistence in Prayer The Bible also teaches the importance of faith and persistence in prayer when seeking God's intervention in sickness. In Mark 5:25-34 , the account of the woman with the issue of blood illustrates the power of faith. Despite her long-term illness, she believed that touching Jesus' garment would heal her. Jesus acknowledges her faith, saying, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free of your affliction." Conclusion The biblical narrative provides a rich tapestry of examples and teachings that affirm God's attentiveness to the prayers of those who are sick. Through faith, persistence, and communal prayer, believers are encouraged to seek God's healing and comfort, trusting in His sovereign will and compassionate nature. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 30:2O LORD my God, I cried to you, and you have healed me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 107:18-20 Library Prayer Answered, Love Nourished The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ... Genesis xxvii. 38 The Great Shepherd Hezekiah, the Praying King Degrees of Sin Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion Lenten Thoughts Manasseh Miracles of Healing Solicited by the Sufferers. Resources Is it sometimes God's will for believers to be sick? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is kingdom theology? | GotQuestions.org Why does God allow birth defects? | GotQuestions.org Sickness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sickness: Christ Compassionate Those In Sickness: Christ Healed by Imposition of Hands Sickness: Christ Healed with a Touch Sickness: Christ Healed with a Word Sickness: Christ Healed: Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Not Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Through the Touch of his Garment Sickness: Faith Required in Those Healed of, by Christ Sickness: God: Abandons the Wicked To Sickness: God: Comforts Saints In Sickness: God: Exhibits his Love in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Mercy in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Power in Healing Sickness: God: Hears the Prayers of Those In Sickness: God: Often Manifests Saving Grace to Sinners During Sickness: God: Permits Saints to be Tried By Sickness: God: Persecutes the Wicked By Sickness: God: Preserves Saints in Time of Sickness: God: Promises to Heal Sickness: God: Strengthens Saints In Sickness: God's Aid should be Sought In Sickness: Healing of, Lawful on the Sabbath Sickness: Not Visiting Those In, an Evidence of not Belonging to Christ Sickness: Often Brought on by Intemperance Sickness: Often Incurable by Human Means Sickness: Often Sent As a Punishment of Sin Sickness: One of God's Four Sore Judgments on a Guilty Land Sickness: Pray for Those Afflicted With Sickness: Saints are Resigned Under Sickness: Saints: Acknowledge That, Comes from God Sickness: Saints: Ascribe Recovery From, to God Sickness: Saints: Feel for Others In Sickness: Saints: Mourn Under, With Prayer Sickness: Saints: Praise God for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Pray for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Thank God Publicly for Recovery Form Sickness: Saints: Visit Those In Sickness: The Apostles Were Endued With Power to Heal Sickness: The Devil Sometimes Permitted to Inflict Sickness: The Power of Healing: One of the Miraculous Gifts Bestowed on the Early Church Sickness: The Wicked: Forsake Those In Sickness: The Wicked: Have Much Sorrow, With Sickness: The Wicked: Visit not Those In Sickness: Visiting Those In, an Evidence of Belonging to Christ Related Terms |
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