Prayer for the Sick
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Often there is danger of error here. Believing that they will be
healed in answer to prayer, some fear to do anything that might seem to
indicate a lack of faith. But they should not neglect to set their affairs
in order as they would desire to do if they expected to be removed
by death. Nor should they fear to utter words of encouragement or
counsel which at the parting hour they wish to speak to their loved
ones.
Those who seek healing by prayer should not neglect to make use
of the remedial agencies within their reach. It is not a denial of faith
to use such remedies as God has provided to alleviate pain and to aid
nature in her work of restoration. It is no denial of faith to co-operate
with God, and to place themselves in the condition most favorable
to recovery. God has put it in our power to obtain a knowledge of
the laws of life. This knowledge has been placed within our reach
for use. We should employ every facility for the restoration of health,
taking every advantage possible, working in harmony with natural
laws. When we have prayed for the recovery of the sick, we can work
with all the more energy, thanking God that we have the privilege of
co-operating with Him, and asking His blessing on the means which
He Himself has provided.
We have the sanction of the word of God for the use of remedial
agencies. Hezekiah, king of Israel, was sick, and a prophet of God
brought him the message that he should die. He cried unto the Lord,
and the Lord heard His servant and sent him a message that fifteen
years should be added to his life. Now, one word from God would
have healed Hezekiah instantly; but special directions were given, “Let
them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaster upon the boil, and he
shall recover.”
Isaiah 38:21
.
When we have prayed for the recovery of the sick, whatever the
outcome of the case, let us not lose faith in God. If we are called upon
to meet bereavement, let us accept the bitter cup, remembering that
a Father’s hand holds it to our lips. But should health be restored, it
should not be forgotten that the recipient of healing mercy is placed
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under renewed obligation to the Creator. When the ten lepers were
cleansed, only one returned to find Jesus and give Him glory. Let none
of us be like the unthinking nine, whose hearts were untouched by
the mercy of God. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from