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Medical Ministry
Prayer for the Sick
As to praying for the sick, it is too important a matter to be
handled carelessly. I believe we should take everything to the Lord,
and make known to God all our weaknesses and specify all our
perplexities. When in sorrow, when uncertain as to what course
to pursue, two or three who are accustomed to pray should unite
together in asking the Lord to let His light shine upon them and
to impart His special grace; and He will respect their petitions, He
will answer their prayers. If we are under infirmities of body, it is
certainly consistent to trust in the Lord, making supplications to our
God in our own case, and if we feel inclined to ask others in whom
we have confidence to unite with us in prayer to Jesus who is the
Mighty Healer, help will surely come if we ask in faith. I think we
are altogether too faithless, too cold and lukewarm.
I understand the text in James is to be carried out when a person
is sick upon his bed, if he calls for the elders of the church, and they
carry out the directions in James, anointing the sick with oil in the
name of the Lord, praying over him the prayer of faith. We read,
“The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him
up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
It cannot be our duty to call for the elders of the church for every
little ailment we have, for this would be putting a task upon the
elders. If all should do this, their time would be fully employed, they
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could do nothing else; but the Lord gives us the privilege of seeking
Him individually in earnest prayer, or unburdening our souls to Him,
keeping nothing from Him who has invited us, “Come unto Me, all
ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Oh, how
grateful we should be that Jesus is willing and able to bear all our
infirmities and strengthen and heal all our diseases if it will be for
our good and for His glory.
Some died in the days of Christ and in the days of the apostles
because the Lord knew just what was best for them.—
Letter 35,
1890
.