Jesus said “… Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14 cf. Mark 10:14, 18:16) Children must have been pretty important for Jesus to be quoted in three out of the four gospels. Indeed they are important and to be entrusted with children on this planet is one of the greatest honors that God gives to parents. We love them, we teach them, we discipline them and sometimes we must also witness their illness. That is when we pray the most for the children. Perhaps you need some prayers or Scriptures for a sick child. Take a look at these.
Table of contents
Prayers for a Sick Child
A Minor Illness
“Dear Heavenly Father, I entrust this dear child toYou as he/she suffers from what seems to be a (sickness name). Lord, I know (child’s name) is uncomfortable as he/she tries to rest. I also know that rest is so important to get beyond this minor sickness and to avoid progression to something more serious. Please give him/her the rest that they need. Lord, I lift (child’s name) up to You and know that You will perform Your perfect will for his/her recovery. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen”
A Chronic Illness
“Dear God, I pray for (child’s name) as he/she deals with this (specific illness) so often. I know You are the Master Healer and that You also provide times that are symptom free for this dear little one. Please comfort and protect this dear child during this hard time. Help them to know that they can come to You for the peace and health that only You can provide. Please be with the doctors as they continually study to find medicines and treatments that will comfort those that suffer from chronic illnesses. I leave this in Your precious hands oh God my Father. Amen”
A Severe or Death Threatening Illness
“Lord I come to You today to present (child’s name) to You. This very deadly sickness that is upon him/her is very sad to all who know and love him/her. I know that in times like this his/her Mommy and Daddy are in despair. Please keep them strong in You so that they can be a comfort to this dear little child. Please keep (child’s name) from being scared of what is happening all around him/her. I ask Your mercy so that pain would be minimal or nonexistence. I love this small and fragile little child. Bestow Your grace and peace to them and all who love them. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.”
Healing and Encouraging Scriptures
God is Still on the Throne
… sometimes we must also witness their illness. That is when we pray the most for the children.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalms 73:23-26)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalms 103:2-5)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)
Meditate Upon What You Know as Truth
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (Proverbs 4:20-22)
As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. (Isaiah 59:21)
Even in the Valley
Be Joyful:
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
Praise Him:
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14)
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
God has a Plan
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)
Even in the darkest of days our God is an awesome God and He will continue to bless us. Our life circumstances teach us and prepare us for times to come. I am reminded of this great passage, full of hope, from Paul:
Romans 5:3-5 “… but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Have you read this related prayer article?
10 Prayers for Help in Times of Need
Resources – The Holy Bible, King James Version, YouTube “Our God is an Awesome God” performed by Michael W. Smith, Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos. net
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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
Thanks to the Ukrainian Bible Society, 20,000 children suffering serious illness and their families are hearing a message of hope from the Bible.
Around 600 Ukrainian children are diagnosed with a form of blood cancer every year. Others fall victim to other serious conditions. The treatment is frightening and often painful. Their families must make many sacrifices to see them through the long months that, they hope, will lead to recovery. Some are even forced to sell their home in order to meet the costs.
Reaching out to these families in such great need is a priority for the Bible Society. It knows that, even with the best medical care, a child’s state of mind can make a big difference to his or her recovery. Above all, a child must feel that there is hope. The ultimate message of hope comes from God’s Word, in this case in the form of a colourful Children’s Bible.
Initially, the Bible Society had planned to produce a large Children’s Bible on glossy paper. But the budget for the project would have only allowed 10,000 copies to be produced. By switching to a smaller Bible on less glossy paper, double the number of children and families could be reached!
Positive response
Darnyka, aged 7, with her Children’s Bible.
Everywhere the Children’s Bible has been distributed, whether in a hospital, in a children’s home or in an outreach centre, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, as the testimonies below indicate.
Darynka, aged 7, attends a club for children’s with health problems in the Kiev region. “I’m very grateful to everybody for the beautiful Bible with so many pictures,” she said.
Orest, 15, is receiving chemotherapy treatment in Lviv. He is convinced of the need to read the Bible. “There is no life without the Scriptures! I read the Bible every day. It’s a shame that I didn’t have a wonderful illustrated Bible like this when I was younger.”
10-year-old Oleg is also in hospital in Lviv. As soon as he received his Children’s Bible, he opened it at the story of David and Goliath. “This is my favourite story!” he smiled. “I like to read about David’s courage. It gives me strength to fight my illness.”
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www.unitedbiblesocieties.org
One of the greatest fears of every parent is that our children would experience sickness, tragedy, or worse yet, fall away from the faith. But God has left us promises in the Scripture that we can hold on to. The enemy knows that if he can distract us with fear, we cannot excel in faith! But we are told not to fear about anything! II Timothy 1:7 says, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. The devil knows that if he can ensnare us with worry, we will be unable to trust our Maker. However, our Father says in I Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Lastly, Satan knows that if he can cause us to look at the seen, we will never be able to hope for the unseen. But Paul encourages us by the prompting of the Holy Spirit in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
How do we keep in that kind of hope when what we see seems to be competing against our faith? We need to remember what Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When circumstances tell us something different than the promises of God, we must go back to what God said in His Word to reset our faith. Here are a few scriptures to help:
When your children are troubled.
- For the child: Isaiah 54:13 “All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children’s peace.”
- For the parent: Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Trust God with your children and you will be in peace. Keep your mind on what He says and not what you see.
Protection
- For the child: Isaiah 49:25 (Amp) “For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save (defend, preserve, rescue, deliver) your children.”
- For the parent: Philippians 4:6-7 6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” When you are tempted to be worried about your children, bring that very worry and concern to your Father. He knows what it is like to be a parent. Express your concerns to Him and then leave them at His alter. He will replace your worries with peace!
For the prodigal’s return.
- For the child: Jeremiah 31:16-17 (Amp)“Thus says the LORD: Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work (raising of your children, prayer) shall be rewarded, says the LORD, and they (your children) shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope (something you can expect) in your future, says the LORD, that your children shall come back to their own border (place of peace and safety and well-being).”
- For the parent: Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Ensure that you are doing your part in training your child. Impart God’s words and principles to them as often as you can. Even better, ask God to help you exemplify your Father’s heart and to live out His commands. When you make mistakes, openly discuss them with your children, so that they can watch you run to God in your imperfections, rather than running from Him.
When your children are in wrong relationships.
- For the child: Isaiah 49:25 “I will contend with him who contends with you; and I will save your children”. This may seem like a strange verse for unhealthy relationships. However, relationships often contend for our priorities and the correct order of things. Let God contend with those things as importance of friendships, business partners, and spouses as they are growing up so that they will be armed with wisdom as they grow older. Then, as they grow older trust and lean on the fact that they have been equipped with the standards necessary to make good choices. Let the Holy Spirit remind them of His Word. It remains inside of them. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. I Peter 1:23 God’s Word is imperishable, another version says incorruptible. He is the author and the finisher of your children’s faith! (Hebrews 12:2) God may open a door for you to minister to your adult child about this. In the meantime? Let God contend…
- For the parent: Philippians 1:6 (NIV) being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
A great way to boost faith is to personalize the promises of God. For instance, when praying Proverbs 22:6 over your children you could say, “Lord, I thank you for the wisdom to train Bobbie up in the way he should go and that when he is old, he will not depart from that way.” This causes you to personalize and visualize that Scripture as a personal covenant between you and the Lord. I find that this builds great faith, not to mention the peace it can bring to exchange the picture in your mind with the portrait of the promise of God. Let God change your imaginations in order to see what He intends to do! In so doing, you will be able to rejoice because you will be more sensitive to His workings in both your life and the lives of your children.
familyfire.reframemedia.com
