25 Prayers for Healing to Bring Strength and Recovery in Times of Hardship and Despair
Turn to these uplifting words for peace in difficult times of weakness and pain.
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When you or someone you love is struggling, it can bring up all kinds of emotions. You may be angry, depressed, numb, anxious, or some other combination of intense feelings. In addition to looking after your mental health, it may also be a good idea to set aside some time for prayer if you don't already do so. We've collected dozens of prayers for healing that can guide your conversations with God. Speak to Him about your sick family member or friend or those experiencing other kinds of pain and suffering in life and ask for His healing in their recovery.
In addition to powerful Bible verses for healing, we've also collected some prayers from a variety of sources. These prayers for a friend and forgiveness prayers will be a source of strength and offer you a little peace of mind during this difficult moment in your life. Whether you pray daily or not, these healing prayers and Bible verses for the sick are here to guide you.
While these prayers for healing can be an important part of your toolkit, it's essential to find other ways to practice self-care if you're dealing with grief, chronic illness, caretaking responsibilities, or any other health-related stressors. Don't be afraid to seek out support groups for people in your situation or a counselor who specializes in whatever it is you're dealing with. Although it can be hard to ask for help, you shouldn't hesitate to lean on friends, family, and other community members during difficult times.
Find more strength, peace, and hope every day with Woman's Day's Everyday Inspiration Bible verse cards — a portable box of inspiration that will keep the encouragement you need close at hand.
Prayer for Healing Anxiety and Fear
Father God, in this moment of overwhelming thoughts and emotions, I turn to you. You are my refuge and strength. Please grant me peace and clarity in the midst of chaos. Help me cast my burdens upon you, knowing you care for me. Amen.
-Unknown
Healing Prayer of Acceptance
In the Bible, I have read of miraculous healing, and I believe that you still heal the same way today. I believe that there is no illness you cannot heal. After all, the Bible tells of you raising people from the dead, so I ask for your healing in this situation. I also know, from my experience of life on Earth, that not everyone is healed. If that happens here, then keep my heart soft towards you, help me to understand your plan, and help me to be excited about Heaven. Amen.
-Wendy van Eyck
Strength and Inner Peace Prayer
I ask for your healing over every part of my life — physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I ask that you make me strong and resilient for the days ahead. I know that you have great purpose for those who believe in your name. I lean fully on you, Lord, for you alone are able. I love you; I need you this day and always. In Jesus' name, Amen.
-Debbie McDaniel
Healing Prayer Before Surgery
Strengthen your servant, O God, to do what he has to do and bear what he has to bear; that, in accepting your healing gifts through the skill of surgeons and nurses, he may be restored to usefulness in your world with a thankful heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Better Health
Holy Spirit, drive away from me all forms of sickness and disease. Restore strength to my body and joy to my spirit, so that in my renewed health, I may bless and serve you, now and forevermore. Amen.
-Unknown
St. Padre Pio Prayer
Loving Father, touch me now with your healing hands, for I believe that your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul and spirit. Cover me with the most precious blood of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ from the top of my head to the soles of my feet.
Healing Verse
Heal me, LORD, and I'll be healed. Save me and I'll be saved, for you are my heart's desire.
— Jeremiah 17:14
Mercy Verse
Have mercy on me, Lord, because I'm frail. Heal me, Lord, because my bones are shaking in terror!
— Psalm 6:2
Salvation Verse
Lord, show us favor; we hope in you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress.
— Isaiah 33:2
Patience in Sickness
Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father's will. Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.
Prayer for Self-Care
Lord, lift me up for Your blessings today. I pray that you will anoint me with strength and self care today, tomorrow, and always. I pray that You will grace me with patience and wisdom. I pray that You will encourage me throughout the day to take the correct steps to walk proudly, and behave well. I pray all of these things in Your name. Amen.
— Unknown
RELATED: More Prayers to Give You Strength in Difficult Times
Healing a Broken Heart
Lord, please heal my broken heart. Fill me with the peace and joy I know can only come from You during this hard time. Walk closely beside me during my journey to healing and recovery that I know is possible through Your power alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
— Unknown
Healing From the Past
Blessed Jesus, in the comfort of your love, I lay before you the memories that haunt me, the anxieties that perplex me, the despair that frightens me, and my frustration at my inability to think clearly. Help me to discover your forgiveness in my memories and know your peace in my distress. Touch me, O Lord, and fill me with your light and your hope. Amen.
I Believe
Dear God, I know that the first step in all spiritual healing is to believe. I believe! I open my mind and heart believing in your infinite power and possibility. I believe that healing is a dynamic and reachable experience, a reality that can be experienced right now. I maintain a patient and loving attitude, for I believe that your healing activity is now at work in my mind and body. I look forward, with joyful expectation, to the perfect wholeness that you are now bringing into manifestation through me. I believe in your constant expression of perfect good in and through me. I rest in the certainty of your healing power. I know that with you all things are possible. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
— Unknown
Prayer for Mental Healing
Jesus, I know that when you walked on the earth, you trod upon hard places, you felt the strain of this world and the pressures of mental torment. So I ask that you would come besides me now, lead me through this time where my mind cannot cope. Help me to find peace and calming inner thoughts. You hold me safe Lord, I trust in you. Amen.
— Unknown
Healing Prayer of Surrender
Dear Lord, it is my will to surrender to you everything that I am and everything that I'm striving to be. I open the deepest recesses of my heart and invite Your Holy Spirit to dwell inside of me. I offer you my life, heart, mind, body, soul, and spirit. I surrender to you my past, present, and future problems. I ask You to take hold over every aspect of my life. I surrender to You all my hurt, pain, worry, doubt, fear, and anxiety, and I ask You to wash me clean. I release everything into Your compassionate care.
Please speak to me clearly, Lord. Open my ears to hear Your voice. Open my heart to commune with You more deeply. I want to feel Your loving embrace. Open the doors that need to be opened and close the doors that need to be closed. Please set my feet upon the straight and narrow road that leads to everlasting life. Amen.
— Unknown
Renew My Mind, Body, and Soul
Lord, I come before you today in need of your healing hand. In you all things are possible. Hold my heart within yours, and renew my mind, body, and soul. I am lost, but I am singing. You gave us life, and you also give us the gift of infinite joy. Give me the strength to move forward on the path you've laid out for me. Guide me towards better health, and give me the wisdom to identify those you've placed around me to help me get better. In your name I pray, Amen.
From Bad Comes Good
Heavenly Father, it hurts so bad. Dull the pain with Your love. Blur the sharp edges by reminding me that from bad comes good. Help me appreciate that after the sorrow, joy is sweeter. I look forward to better times. I can endure anything with You by my side. Amen.
— Unknown
Blessing Prayer for Another's Healing
May you desire to be healed. May what is wounded in your life be restored to good health. May you be receptive to the ways in which healing needs to happen. May you take good care of yourself. May you extend compassion to all that hurts within your body, mind, and spirit. May you be patient with the time it takes to heal. May you be aware of the wonders of your body, mind, and spirit and their ability in returning you to good health. May you be open to receive from those who extend kindness, care, and compassion to you. May you rest peacefully under the sheltering wings of divine love, trusting in this gracious presence. May you find little moments of beauty and joy to sustain you. May you keep hope in your heart. Amen.
– Out of the Ordinary by Joyce Rupp
Restoration and Trust
Lord of Heaven, I rest underneath your mighty wings of love. I dwell within your gentle heart. I know there is healing in your touch. Through the sufferings of Christ I can ask for restoration And trust in your goodness. You are my Lord, my Savior, My healer and my friend. I dwell within your gentle embrace. Amen.
— Unknown
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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