My faith was greatly challenged for a while after my mother passed. What once was a firm and steady foundation suddenly felt fleeting and inconsistent. There were times when I thought prayers must not work and, even worse, that God wasn’t real. I’m not proud to admit that. It feels shameful to type that truth, but it’s real. It’s the truth of my grief and a consequence of losing the greatest woman I’ve ever known- my mother.
With time, the boldness and trust of my faith resurfaced. Of course, I still have moments of weakness and moments of thoughts that cause havoc on the faith my mother helped me build. But each time doubt or denial creeps in, God shows up in my life in undeniable ways, ways that take my breath away and leave me in joyous tears. I’ve been praying for many people over the years, losing some along the way. I’ve been sending up prayers and wondering if they’ve been heard or stuck in some list, not making their way to the top yet. Just as doubt begins to creep into my mind– God comes with reminders of the power of prayer.
Just last year, two profound and remarkable lives were impacted by prayer. Two completely separate families that I love and have been praying for got news that is life-changing in glorious ways. Things doctors can’t explain and a remission status that could have only been given by a higher power, something stronger than medicine and chemotherapy. Scans and plans are impacted by prayers just as much, if not more, than traditional treatment.
In those moments, I saw God’s healing. I saw proof of answered prayers. Indisputable evidence of God’s goodness. I saw two families rejoicing in things they’d never think they’d be celebrating. I bet if you look closely at your life and the lives of those around you, you’ll be a witness to answered prayers, too.
Each time it happens, it renews my faith. It sparks my hope and my belief. It gives me a joy that nothing else on earth can provide. Every time doubt creeps in or my faith feels fragile, He shows up and reminds me of everything my mother taught me, of everything she had me listen to each Sunday morning in the pews of her favorite church. Sometimes, it’s as if I can hear my mother whisper, “I told you prayers get answered, honey. Keep praying and keep leaning on your faith. And until then, we’ll keep sending you reminders of their work.”
Sometimes, God provides proof of answered prayers on this side of the earth, and it’s beautiful. When in doubt, don’t trust my word, trust His. The Bible affirms, again and again, that prayer can play a role in both physical healing and spiritual healing.
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:14-16
This verse connects prayer with healing. It emphasizes the power of prayer in times of illness and struggle.
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” – Psalm 103: 2-3
This verse shows healing as one of God’s many blessings. It reminds us of His mercy and his healing power.
“He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” – Mark 5:34
In this verse, Jesus connects faith with healing. It demonstrates how belief in God’s power is critical for restoration.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4: 6
This verse is a reminder to not be burdened or weighed down by anxiety and worry. It’s a call to trust God with your journey and your peace.
All of these pieces of scripture remind us of God’s promise that prayer does, in fact, play a role in healing. However, in asking, “Can prayer heal?”, we must also ask, “Does it always?” And the answer might surprise you. Yes, it does. However, it’s not always in the way we expect and certainly not always in the way that we hope for. In fact, it’s not even always on this side of heaven.
“…Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” –2 Corinthians 12: 7-9
Paul’s thorn wasn’t removed despite his constant and consistent prayers. However, God provided strength and grace. God gave Paul the ability to persevere. He didn’t get what he prayed for, but God gave him what he needed.
Sometimes, God’s plan involves grit and endurance rather than quick healing and care. Sometimes, healing is physical, and sometimes, it comes through peace and spiritual restoration. The key is in understanding that while prayer doesn’t always lead to physical healing, it always aligns us with God’s will, and it always strengthens our trust in His plan.
Keep praying. He’s listening.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jacob Wackerhausen
