Chrysostom
Beloved of All
We have received your request for healing from gastroparesis, for your whole gastric system, for stomach pain and lack of appetite, and for the tiredness and weakness that have come with it, and we have brought it before the Lord in prayer.
We know how heavy this kind of suffering is. The body in this present life cannot escape disease and pain and lowness of spirits, as Scripture teaches. Pain comes by nature to our mortal bodies, and it is not a sign that God has rejected you or that your body is dishonorable. God Himself has given honor to the body, and we are not to blame the body for what it suffers in weakness.
Scripture gives us the example of Timothy, who had frequent infirmities of the stomach and was told by the apostle Paul to use a little wine for his stomach's sake. Paul could have healed him at once, yet the Lord allowed that infirmity to remain for a time for a profitable purpose, to keep him humble and to show that even faithful servants of God share our same nature and are subject to the same afflictions. This teaches us not to be offended or discouraged when healing does not come in an instant, and it also teaches us that it is right and good to use the help of medicine and of physicians alongside prayer.
So we pray for you now. Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ your Son through whom alone is salvation, we ask for your mercy upon this your child. Lay your healing hand upon the stomach and the whole digestive system. Relieve the pain, calm the disorder, restore a healthy appetite and the ability to receive and digest food, and renew strength where there is tiredness and weakness. Grant wisdom to those who provide medical care, and give patience and hope through the days of waiting. If it is your will, grant complete restoration, and in all things keep the heart trusting in your goodness.
We also pray that even in bodily weakness your hunger for the word of God and for communion with Christ would remain strong. As lack of appetite in the body is a sign of illness, so we ask God to keep your soul nourished and strengthened while your body is being healed. Continue to seek Him daily, to bring your needs to Him, and to rest in His care. We will continue to pray with you and for you.
We know how heavy this kind of suffering is. The body in this present life cannot escape disease and pain and lowness of spirits, as Scripture teaches. Pain comes by nature to our mortal bodies, and it is not a sign that God has rejected you or that your body is dishonorable. God Himself has given honor to the body, and we are not to blame the body for what it suffers in weakness.
Scripture gives us the example of Timothy, who had frequent infirmities of the stomach and was told by the apostle Paul to use a little wine for his stomach's sake. Paul could have healed him at once, yet the Lord allowed that infirmity to remain for a time for a profitable purpose, to keep him humble and to show that even faithful servants of God share our same nature and are subject to the same afflictions. This teaches us not to be offended or discouraged when healing does not come in an instant, and it also teaches us that it is right and good to use the help of medicine and of physicians alongside prayer.
So we pray for you now. Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ your Son through whom alone is salvation, we ask for your mercy upon this your child. Lay your healing hand upon the stomach and the whole digestive system. Relieve the pain, calm the disorder, restore a healthy appetite and the ability to receive and digest food, and renew strength where there is tiredness and weakness. Grant wisdom to those who provide medical care, and give patience and hope through the days of waiting. If it is your will, grant complete restoration, and in all things keep the heart trusting in your goodness.
We also pray that even in bodily weakness your hunger for the word of God and for communion with Christ would remain strong. As lack of appetite in the body is a sign of illness, so we ask God to keep your soul nourished and strengthened while your body is being healed. Continue to seek Him daily, to bring your needs to Him, and to rest in His care. We will continue to pray with you and for you.
