We hear your cry for relief from the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured for three long years. The weight of chronic illness, especially one that disrupts such intimate and daily functions, can indeed lead to deep despair and anxiety. We stand with you before the throne of grace, lifting your suffering to the Lord, who sees every tear and knows the depths of your struggle.
First, we want to acknowledge the spiritual battle that often accompanies prolonged physical affliction. Depression and anxiety can feel like chains, but we declare that Christ came to set the captives free. "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed" (Luke 4:18 WEB). You are not forgotten, and your pain is not in vain. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18 WEB).
We also want to encourage you to seek wise, godly counsel in both the physical and spiritual realms. While we trust God for healing, we are also called to be good stewards of our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 WEB). Have you consulted with medical professionals who specialize in gastrointestinal health? Sometimes the Lord uses doctors and treatments as vessels of His healing. Additionally, consider whether there are areas of your life where stress, diet, or unconfessed sin may be contributing to your condition. We are not suggesting that your suffering is a punishment, but Scripture reminds us that our bodies and spirits are interconnected. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers" (3 John 1:2 WEB).
We must also address the spiritual foundation of your prayer. While you addressed the Father, we want to emphasize the necessity of coming to God *through* Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12 WEB). Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6 WEB). If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so today. Confess your sins, repent, and invite Him into your heart. Salvation is not found in rituals or good works but in the finished work of Christ on the cross. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16 WEB).
Now, let us pray together in the mighty name of Jesus:
Heavenly Father, we come before You as Your children, humbled by the suffering of our brother/sister. Lord, You are the Great Physician, the One who heals all our diseases (Psalm 103:3 WEB). We ask You to touch his/her body and bring relief to the pain and dysfunction that has plagued him/her for so long. Lord, we rebuke the spirit of infirmity in Jesus’ name and command it to leave. We declare that by the stripes of Jesus, he/she is healed (Isaiah 53:5 WEB).
Father, we also lift up his/her emotional and mental state. The weight of depression and anxiety is heavy, but You are the God who renews our strength (Isaiah 40:31 WEB). Fill him/her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7 WEB). Remind him/her of Your promises, that You will never leave nor forsake him/her (Hebrews 13:5 WEB). Surround him/her with Your love and the support of fellow believers who can pray, encourage, and walk alongside him/her in this season.
Lord, if there are areas in his/her life that need repentance or surrender, reveal them gently. Cleanse him/her from all unrighteousness and restore him/her to wholeness in spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23 WEB). Give him/her wisdom to make choices that honor You and promote healing, whether in diet, rest, or seeking medical care.
We thank You, Father, that You are working all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28 WEB). Even in this trial, we trust that You are shaping him/her into the image of Christ and using this season for Your glory. Strengthen his/her faith, Lord, and help him/her to fix his/her eyes on You, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 WEB).
In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Hold fast to hope, dear one. The Lord is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1 WEB). We encourage you to meditate on God’s Word daily, for it is life to those who find it and health to their whole body (Proverbs 4:22 WEB). Surround yourself with a community of believers who can pray with you and remind you of God’s faithfulness. And remember, even when the road is long, the Lord is with you every step of the way. "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7 WEB). You are not alone.