Healing & Prayer

Why Can Healing Be Within God’s Will?

See why believers may pray for healing with confidence in God’s power and compassion while submitting the outcome to His wisdom.

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Key Scriptures (KJV)

Read each passage in its surrounding chapter as you study.

“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”
Matthew 8:2-3

“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; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
James 5:14-15

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”
1 John 5:14

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

Study the Word

What the passages teach

Each section separates the text’s direct teaching from explanation and personal response.

Part 1

God is able to heal, and Jesus often did heal

Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:2-3; Matthew 4:23-24; Matthew 8:1-17; Luke 7:20-23

Scripture says

Scripture records God healing and presents Jesus healing many kinds of disease. In Matthew 8, Jesus answers one leper’s “if thou wilt” with “I will.”

Understanding

These accounts establish God’s power and show that healing is not contrary to His character or kingdom. A particular healing narrative, however, is not automatically a promise that every present illness will end immediately.

Apply it

Bring sickness honestly to Christ. It is biblical to ask boldly and specifically because He is able and compassionate.

Part 2

The church is told to pray for the sick

James 5:13-18; Mark 6:13; Acts 28:8-9

Scripture says

James instructs the sick to call for the elders of the church, who are to pray and anoint in the name of the Lord. The passage joins prayer, faith, restoration, confession, and forgiveness.

Understanding

The command to pray makes healing a proper Christian request. “In the name of the Lord” places the prayer under His authority, character, and purposes.

Apply it

Ask trusted church elders to pray, confess sin where needed, and support the sick person with practical care rather than making prayer a performance.

Part 3

Prayer remains submitted to God’s will

Matthew 26:39; 1 John 5:14-15; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Scripture says

Jesus prayed, “not as I will, but as thou wilt.” John places confidence in asking according to God’s will. Paul asked three times for his thorn to depart and received sustaining grace instead of removal.

Understanding

Faith is trust in God, not control over God. Scripture does not authorize us to blame every unhealed person for insufficient faith or to promise a timetable God has not promised.

Apply it

Pray expectantly and submit sincerely: ask for healing, continue wise care, and trust God’s grace if the answer is delayed or different from what you desire.

Part 4

All God’s people will finally be made whole

Romans 8:22-25; 1 Corinthians 15:42-57; Philippians 3:20-21; Revelation 21:4

Scripture says

The New Testament directs believers toward the redemption of the body, resurrection, and the day when death, sorrow, crying, and pain pass away.

Understanding

Present healing is a mercy worth seeking; resurrection is the certain, complete hope promised to those in Christ.

Apply it

Let present suffering move you toward compassionate care and persistent prayer while anchoring hope in Christ’s final victory over death.

Reflect together

Discussion questions

Which passages give believers a clear reason to pray for healing?
How can I pray boldly without pretending to know an outcome God has not revealed?
How does Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12 guard against blaming the sick?
What practical support can accompany prayer for someone who is suffering?

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