Chapter 43—Miraculous Healing
[
The items appearing here are supplemental to the abundance of
counsel on prayer for the sick. See the Ministry of Healing, pp.
225-233;
Counsels on Health, 373-382
;
Medical Ministry, 195-196
;
also the 36-page pamphlet, “Guiding Principles in Prayer for the
Sick.”—Compilers.]
A Delicate Situation
In regard to the matter of prayer for the sick, many confusing ideas
are advanced. One says, “He who has been prayed for must walk out
in faith, giving God the glory, and making use of no remedies. If he is
at a health institute he should leave it at once.”
I know that these ideas are wrong, and that if accepted they would
lead to many evils.
On the other hand, I do not wish to say anything that might be
interpreted to mean a lack of belief in the efficacy of prayer.
The path of faith lies close beside the path of presumption. Satan
is ever seeking to lead us into false paths. He sees that a misunder-
standing of what constitutes faith will confuse and disappoint. He is
pleased when he can persuade men and women to reason from false
premises.
I can pray for the sick only in one way—“Lord, if it be in accor-
dance with Thy will, for Thy glory and the good of the one who is
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sick, heal the sufferer, we pray. Not our will, but Thine be done.”
Nehemiah did not regard his duty as done when he had mourned
and wept and prayed before the Lord. He did not only pray. He worked,
mingling petition and endeavor.
It is no denial of faith to use rational remedies judiciously.—
Manuscript 31, 1911
.
317