“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.”
— Acts 3:16 (NIV)
This year, 2023, I stand in awe of the remarkable journey that has unfolded in my life with Jesus by my side. However, this journey did not begin in this year alone; it has been a culmination of my persistent prayers for healing. Throughout the preceding years, my heart was filled with fervent petitions, not only for my loved ones and friends but also for strangers who have crossed my path. And in this pursuit of healing, I have discovered profound blessings for myself as well.
But the beauty of this journey is that healing is not confined to physical ailments alone. It encompasses the restoration of broken relationships, emotional wounds, and spiritual struggles. I have witnessed the incredible power of Jesus’ healing grace in these areas as well.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share some of the heartfelt prayers that I have lifted to God through Christ — prayers that are intimately connected to healing. Through these prayers, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible power and overwhelming love of God at work in my life.
Healing from Mistrust
“Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:4 (ESV)
Through the depths of pain and broken trust, Jesus tenderly mended the shattered fragments of my heart. His healing touch reached the deepest recesses of my soul, where wounds of betrayal and disappointment resided. In His loving embrace, I found solace and restoration.
In this journey towards healing, I have come to understand that true trust cannot be solely placed in people, for they are flawed and susceptible to fail. Instead, I have learned to place my ultimate confidence in Christ Jesus alone. He is the unwavering foundation upon which I can anchor my trust, knowing that He will never disappoint or forsake me.
Healing from Fears and Doubts
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
— John 14:27 (NIV)
The fear of the unknown and uncertainties about the future have cast shadows of anxiety over my heart. The weight of these worries fueled doubts within me, causing me to question my ability to overcome the challenges that may lie ahead.
That is why in the midst of my struggle and the uncertainties that surround me, I am deeply grateful for the peace that God has bestowed upon my heart. It is in His presence that I find solace and refuge, for He alone is the source of true and lasting peace. Despite the challenges that may threaten to trouble my heart, I choose to anchor myself in the peace that comes from knowing and trusting in Him.
Healing from Illness
“As for me, I said, ‘O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!’”
— Psalm 41:4 (ESV)
I humbly approached God through Christ in prayer, lifting up my health and surrendering it to His divine will. However, I acknowledge that there was one moment of despair when I found myself pleading for God to come up with another solution, driven by a sense of pride and the desire not to burden those dear to me — particularly my family. I now realize the need to seek forgiveness for these thoughts and surrender my burdens to the compassionate and loving embrace of our God.
Truly, it can be a challenging task to place our complete trust in God and offer praises to Him during moments of despair. However, through this ongoing and remarkable journey of healing, I have come to understand that experiencing the genuine peace that God promises requires us to continually pray, praise, and glorify His name, regardless of our circumstances (Psalm 86:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ).
Through this practice of praise, I have witnessed the transformation it brings. Praise redirects my perspective, reminding me of the countless ways God has worked in my life before and affirming His ability to do so again. It ignites a flame of hope within me, allowing me to rise above despair and cling to the promises of God.
Furthermore, I am deeply grateful for the people God has brought into my life, those who have fought alongside me and served as prayer partners in this journey. Their support and prayers have been a tangible manifestation of God’s love and provision. In times of weakness, their prayers have provided me with an instant infusion of strength and courage. Their unwavering faith and intercession have reminded me that I am not alone and that we are united in our reliance on God’s power and grace.
Reflection Points
What is our hope when we pray for healing?
- Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can hope for complete healing.
- We can put our ultimate confidence in Christ Jesus alone and will never be disappointed.
- Jesus Christ alone is the source of true and lasting peace.
Let’s Pray…
Dear Heavenly Father,
In the midst of the ongoing battle I face, I boldly trust in your healing and protection from any diseases that may come my way. You, Lord, are not only my ultimate Healer but also my Protector. No illness or affliction can hinder You from using me as a vessel to fulfill Your mission until the very end.
With unwavering faith, I proclaim that my healing has already been secured through the finished work of Jesus Christ. By His stripes, I am made whole and restored. I declare that in Jesus’ name, there’s healing. Though the physical manifestations of sickness may linger, I choose to align my confession with the truth of Your Word, knowing that Your promises never fail.
In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
—
Marie Alino