In a previous post, Praying for a Sick Child, I shared the story of my son’s heart surgery, how God answered my whole-hearted request, and graciously taught me how to pray.
Our God, proving once again how real he is . . . providing glaring evidence of his existence.
Today I want to share a prayer (based on scripture) for parents to use as they pray for a sick child – because sometimes the words are impossible to find when the diagnosis is incomprehensible.
I know the reality of hurting so badly you can’t find words to pray. There was a time in my life when I just sat in silence before God. That, in and of itself, was prayer.
Coming empty. Devoid of words. Wasted in strength. Placing ourselves before the throne of grace.
In those times when the diagnosis is heart-breaking and we can’t find words, God hears our hearts.
When the words won’t come, friends and family can stand in the gap – uttering those concerns with lips able to speak on our behalf.
As you read this prayer, you’ll see scripture addresses. I’m not including links to those addresses like I normally do. The reason? If you’re in a crisis situation, the best thing is for you to put your hands on a physical Bible, crack open its pages, and drink in the words. As you do, you create opportunities for God to lead you to other verses that might be helpful.
Take his words to heart. They. Are. Life.
As you pray, remember how important it is for you and your spouse to be united as you pray for a sick child. Carry your child to God together.
A Prayer When Your Child is Seriously Ill
Strong and Faithful Father,
My heart is breaking for my child, (insert child’s name here). The weight of this situation is so heavy it’s difficult to breathe. My words choke out in fragments. Sometimes they don’t come at all. Articulating thoughts requires more energy than I have, so I just sit in silence.
My strength is gone. I’m anxious, Father. This situation doesn’t make sense to me. My child, (insert name here), is so innocent and vulnerable. I don’t understand why this is happening.
Help me to trust you with (child’s name) life . . . with every aspect of this situation . . . with all the pieces of my life. Keep me from attempting to rely on my own understanding because there is no way to understand this.
Help me trust you with all my heart – not just part of it. I acknowledge that everything in the heavens and earth – everything that is precious to me including (child’s name) – belongs to you. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
This is your kingdom not mine. I adore you and recognize you are in control of everything. (1 Chronicles 29:11; 1)
Your ways are higher than my ways. Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-10; Romans 11:33-34)
You are good, loving, and faithful. It’s absolutely impossible for you to do evil or to do wrong. Help me to believe this in the depths of my soul during this time. (Deut. 32:4; Job 34:10; 1 John 1:5; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 100:5)
Thank you God for remaining faithful even when I act faithless in my pain. Your love, presence, power, and promises are not dependent on my behavior. (2 Timothy 2:13)
You understand my pain. (Isaiah 53:3)
Give us strength because we are flat out weary. Help us run this grueling race with perseverance and never give up.
Help us keep our eyes glued to Jesus, our champion, who perfects our faith. In him all things hold together. We will depend on him to hold us together no matter what comes. (Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 12:1-3)
Father, I love and adore (child’s name). Thank you for entrusting (child’s name) to me. It is such a privilege being (child’s name) parent. I humbly ask you to bring complete healing to (child’s name) and make (child’s name) physically whole if that’s your will.
If it isn’t your will for (child’s name) to heal during his/her time on earth, I will still love, serve, and follow you.
I know that you are for (child’s name), not against (child’s name). No illness, disease, disappointment or setback – nothing in all the world – can separate (child’s name) from your love. (Romans 8:35-39)
I ask you to protect (child’s name) emotionally and spiritually. Give (child’s name) the strength he/she needs for each moment, each test, each prod, each pill, each surgery. (Luke 11:1-4) With your great love, drive out all (child’s name) fear and comfort (child’s name). 1 John 4:18
Even though I can’t see it now, I believe that in all things you work for the good of those who love you. No matter what happens, you will bring beauty from the ashes of this time. (Romans 8:28-29; Isaiah 61:3)
I thank you God for continuing to work good in me, transforming me into your image, and perfecting me until the day Jesus returns. Use this struggle, Father, for your glory and renown. (Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 3:18)
Thank you for being with (child’s name) in the fire. There is always hope with you. (Genesis 50:20; 2 Peter 3;9; Isaiah 43:2; Isaiah 61:3)
I submit myself, this situation, and (child’s name) to you, God – 100%. I trust you with the outcome. I will rely on your strength completely.
I pray these things in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
If you have a sick child, I’m truly sorry for your suffering. I know what it feels like, and wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Please let me know how I can pray for you and your family.
If you or someone you know has a child with a congenital heart defect, check out Mended Little Hearts for support, education, and to determine where parents of children with a CHD are meeting in your area.
Lisa~
Other links you might like:
Scriptures to Pray Over Your Family
www.mywarminghouse.com
Caring for different people every single day can take a toll on nurses. This goes particularly true with nurses working on the pediatric ward. Since patients in this area are more vulnerable to stress, pain and discomfort, it’s not enough for nurses to concentrate on their physical needs. Sending out prayers can help, too because inevitably, it’s so easy for these small people to capture our hearts again and again.
Below are some of the most powerful prayers for a sick child.
Prayer For A Sick Child In The Hospital
Jesus,
You’re with us.
Though you are not seen,
We know that you stay by our side.
Jesus,
You love us,
More than we could know,
And you feel each tear that we cry.
Jesus,
We trust you,
To take hold of our hands,
Until we’re recovered and well.
Jesus,
You promise to,
Comfort and care,
Until we are laughing and playing again.
Thank you Jesus.
Amen.
