December 9, 2019
FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
PRAYING FOR THE SERIOUSLY SICK OR TERMINALLY ILL.
“The Scriptures says that ‘men ought to pray; and not to faint.’(Luke 18:1); and if ever there is a time when they feel their need of prayer, it is when strength fails and life itself seems slipping from their grasp. Often those who are in health forget the wonderful mercies continued to them day by day, year after year, and they render not tribute if praise to God for His benefits. But when sickness comes, God is remembered.
When human strength fails, men feel their need of divine help. And never does our merciful God turn from the soul that in sincerity seeks Him for help. He is our Refuge in sickness and in health (see Ps. 103: 13,14; 107: 17-29). In prayer for the sick it should be remembered that ‘we know not what we should pray for as we ought.’ Rom. 8:26.
We do not know whether the blessing we desire will be best or not. Therefore our prayers should INCLUDE this thought: ‘Lord, You know every secret of the soul. You are acquainted with these persons. Jesus, their Advocate, gave His life for them. His live for them is greater than ours can possibly be. If, therefore, it is for Your glory and the good of the afflicted ones, we ask, in the name of Jesus, that they may be restored to health. If it be not Your will that they may be restored, we ask that Your GRACE may comfort and Your presence through the Holy Spirit, sustain them in their sufferings.” MH 225. Let us pray in faith and in wisdom. There is a divine science to answered prayer. NMF