Category Archives: Forgiveness

Chronic Pain and Healing Prayer

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Chronic Pain and God’s Compassion

Chronic pain is a common condition affecting over one third of adults in the UK. It is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months in one or more parts of the body. Chronic pain can cause emotional distress and make daily tasks more difficult, and it may be a diagnosed health condition on its own or a symptom of another underlying health condition.

According to the NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-pain/), chronic pain affects millions of people and can significantly disrupt their lives. In the face of this reality, many who suffer wonder if God still heals today and how His promises apply to them personally. The Scriptures provide a rich and compassionate answer to this question, revealing that the Heavenly Father wills our healing and invites us to trust Him completely.

Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself as Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. In Exodus 15:26, He declares, “I am the Lord that healeth thee.” This name reveals His character and His will: God is not indifferent to our suffering but is deeply concerned with our wholeness—body, soul, and spirit. Jesus’ ministry on earth echoed this truth. In Matthew 9:35, we read that He went about “healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” His compassion was never selective or limited to a particular group; He healed all who came to Him in faith.

Yet, many honest seekers still wonder: if healing is God’s will, why do some fail to receive it? Jesus addressed the role of faith and persistence in healing. In Mark 11:24, He said, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” The promise is clear: we must believe, even when symptoms seem unchanged. Faith does not depend on what we feel or see; it is anchored in the unchanging Word of God.

Some people give up too soon, concluding, “I tried that, and it didn’t work,” because they expected instant results. Chronic pain, by its very nature, is a long-term affliction. But the Bible tells us, “They shall recover” (Mark 16:18). Recovery may be gradual, but God’s promise remains. Whether healing comes quickly or slowly, faith must continue to stand firm.

James 5:14-15 provides a scriptural blueprint for healing: “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” The anointing with oil, often misunderstood as a medical remedy, is actually a symbolic act of faith and consecration to God’s healing power. The oil itself does not have miraculous power; it is the prayer of faith and the authority of the name of Jesus that releases God’s healing virtue.

Scripture also affirms that Jesus bore not only our sins but also our sicknesses. In Isaiah 53:4-5, we read, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows… and with his stripes we are healed.” The New Testament echoes this in 1 Peter 2:24: “By whose stripes ye were healed.” When Jesus was tied to the whipping post and scourged, it was not a meaningless act—it was for our healing. The physical pain He endured was redemptive, securing healing for our bodies as surely as the cross secured forgiveness for our souls.

Chronic pain can bring discouragement, but the Bible speaks directly to our need for hope and endurance. Romans 12:12 urges us to “be patient in tribulation,” and Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Healing is a divine promise that requires faith and patience.

Standing in Faith for Physical Restoration and Comfort

Furthermore, chronic pain often causes emotional distress. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” God’s healing touch extends beyond the physical; He ministers to the soul, bringing comfort and peace. In times of persistent pain, we must remember that Jesus is our compassionate High Priest, who understands our struggles and offers mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:15-16).

The Bible also calls us to speak God’s promises over our lives. Romans 10:17 says, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When we declare the healing promises of Scripture, we reinforce our faith and invite the power of God into our situation. Saying aloud, “I am the Israel of God, and healing belongs to me,” is not presumption; it is agreeing with what God has already spoken.

It is important to note that medical care and faith are not in conflict. God has given wisdom to doctors and scientists to alleviate suffering and promote health. If you are experiencing chronic pain, it is wise to seek appropriate medical support alongside prayer. The NHS website offers practical advice on managing chronic pain, including therapies and lifestyle changes. Faith does not deny medical help; it simply sees God as the ultimate healer who works through various means.

Chronic pain reminds us of the brokenness of this fallen world—a world marred by sin since Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Humanity lost perfect health, peace, and fellowship with God in the Garden of Eden, but Jesus came to restore what was lost. In the fullness of time, the Word became flesh to redeem us and heal us. Revelation 21:4 promises a day when “there shall be no more pain,” pointing to the ultimate healing that awaits all who believe.

Until that day, we cling to the promise of healing purchased by Jesus’ stripes. We silence the voices of doubt and tradition that try to talk us out of God’s Word. We stand firm, declaring, “By His stripes, I am healed.” Chronic pain may persist, but it cannot override the eternal truth of God’s compassion and power.

Let us bless the Lord, who heals all our diseases (Psalm 103:3), and trust Him fully. The Great Physician still walks among us, moved with compassion and ready to heal. As we walk in faith, may we be strengthened by His promises and find hope in His unfailing love. Healing is not just a possibility—it is the will of God revealed in His Word, available to all who believe.

Join Me in a Prayer for Healing If you are looking for physical relief and a moment of spiritual peace, I invite you to pray along with me in this video. Let’s stand in faith together.

For more information on the types of chronic pain, management strategies, and when to seek specialized care, please visit the Mayo Clinic Guide to Chronic Pain.

PRAYER FOR HEALING

Prayer Request Page:
Lorna and Tony will pray for your healing.

About the Authors:
Tony and Lorna Egar are dedicated Christians based in Brisbane, Australia.
With a heart for seeing the sick made whole.
Lorna moves in a gift of healing that isn’t confined to church walls; she has witnessed God’s power touch lives in supermarkets, city parks, and everyday street encounters.

Spiritual Encouragement & Medical Disclaimer The content on PrayerForFree.com is provided for spiritual support and encouragement purposes only. We believe in the power of prayer, but we also respect the medical profession. This post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Church and Spiritual Growth

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Churches are made up of people, and people are not perfect. If you seek a flawless church, you will never find one. Instead of approaching churches with a critical mindset, looking for imperfections to judge, believers should rely on the guidance of Christ, the Head of the Church, to lead them where they are meant to be. There will always be aspects of church life that may not align with personal preferences, but if Christ is truly our Lord, we must commit to serving with dedication and perseverance.

Today, many believers lack commitment. Some move from one church to another, never settling, never growing. This spiritual instability results in stagnation. Even after decades of being born again, some remain spiritual infants because they fail to remain where God has assigned them. Growth in faith requires perseverance, faithfulness, and an understanding of one’s divine purpose. We must recognize our calling, remain steadfast in our spiritual posts, and serve wholeheartedly.

The Scriptures remind us of our transformation through Christ. Romans 5:5 states that the Spirit of God has been poured into our hearts, allowing us to cry out, “Abba, Father.” No longer are we mere servants, but we have become sons and daughters of God. Galatians 4:7 affirms this: “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”

Recognizing our divine relationship changes our perspective. We are not distant from God; rather, we have a close and intimate connection with Him. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is also our Brother. This realization should instill confidence in our faith. We do not have to approach God with hesitation or fear, for through Christ, we have direct access to Him.

Religious traditions often misrepresent this truth, creating barriers between believers and God. Many are taught that they need intermediaries to approach God, but the Bible clearly states otherwise. 1 Timothy 2:5 declares, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Jesus alone is the bridge between humanity and the Father, and He calls us His family.

When Jesus was resurrected, He instructed the women at the tomb to tell His disciples, “I am going to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God” (John 20:17). This powerful declaration affirms that God is not only the Father of Christ but also our Father. We are forever part of His family. This truth is what many seek—belonging, unconditional love, and true fellowship. In Christ, we find the ultimate family, one that is bound by divine love and sacrifice.

To embrace this family fully, we must commit ourselves to spiritual maturity, remain steadfast in our calling, and live with the confidence that we are heirs to God’s promises. True growth comes from obedience, faithfulness, and unwavering trust in the Father’s plan for our lives.

Trusting in God’s Goodness and Receiving His Blessings

Understanding our identity in Christ is key to living a victorious life. As God’s children, we must recognize that He desires good things for us. Yet, many believers struggle with misconceptions about God’s will, particularly in areas such as healing and provision. Some falsely believe that suffering, sickness, and hardship are given by God to teach lessons. This distortion of the truth contradicts the very nature of our loving Father.

Matthew 7:7-8 provides a clear perspective on God’s willingness to bless His children: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth.” These are the words of Jesus, and they leave no room for uncertainty.

Despite this, religious teachings often suggest that when we ask God for something, He may respond with something harmful instead. Jesus directly refutes this notion in Matthew 7:9-11, illustrating a natural father’s love for his child. If a child asks for bread, would a good father give him a stone? If he asks for fish, would he receive a serpent? Certainly not. Jesus emphasizes that if flawed human fathers know how to give good gifts, how much more does our perfect Father in heaven give good things to those who ask?

Yet, many struggle with believing this truth. Religious teachings sometimes portray God as unpredictable, as if He arbitrarily gives sickness instead of healing or poverty instead of provision. This thinking contradicts the character of God, who is consistently good and loving. Acts 10:38 describes Jesus’ ministry: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” Healing and deliverance are acts of God’s goodness, not afflictions sent to teach lessons.

Some believers have been taught to accept hardships as divine will, saying, “Sometimes God gives you a rock instead of bread,” or “God gives you lemons, so make lemonade.” But such statements have no biblical foundation. If a natural father would not harm his child, why would we believe that our perfect heavenly Father would? Disease is not a “blessing in disguise.” It robs health, joy, and resources. God is not the author of sickness or suffering; rather, He provides healing and wholeness.

Understanding God’s true nature transforms how we approach Him. We can come boldly before Him, not with fear or uncertainty, but with confidence that He hears and answers our prayers. James 1:6-8 warns against doubting, for a double-minded person will not receive from the Lord. True faith believes that when we ask, we receive.

As believers, we must reject misconceptions that distort God’s goodness. We must stand firm on His promises, knowing that He is a good Father who desires the best for His children. Healing, provision, and blessings are part of our inheritance. By embracing the truth of God’s love and faithfulness, we position ourselves to receive all that He has prepared for us.

PRAYER FOR HEALING

Prayer Request Page: Lorna and Tony would be honored to pray for your healing personally. Let us stand in agreement with you today.

A Gift of Healing: Discover these 2 chapters from our book, designed specifically to boost your faith and help you receive God’s promises.

A Surprise Healing:  Read this encouraging account written by Lorna that describes a surprise healing, when she prayed for someone.

Spiritual Encouragement & Medical Disclaimer The content on PrayerForFree.com is provided for spiritual support and encouragement purposes only. We believe in the power of prayer, but we also respect the medical profession. This post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.