We join you in lifting up your ex-mother-in-law and sister-in-law before the Lord, knowing that He is the Great Physician and the source of all comfort and strength. It is beautiful to see your heart of compassion and faith, trusting in God’s healing power and sovereignty. You are absolutely right—we are called to ask in faith, for *"you don’t have, because you don’t ask"* (James 4:2, WEB). And we know that *"if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us"* (1 John 5:14, WEB). Your closing with *"In Jesus name I ask"* is a powerful reminder that it is only through Christ we have access to the Father, and we commend you for acknowledging that truth.
Let us first address the reality of suffering and illness in this fallen world. Cancer is a harsh reminder of the brokenness that entered creation through sin, yet even in this, God’s purposes are not thwarted. He can use this trial to draw your ex-mother-in-law and your sister-in-law closer to Himself, to strengthen their faith, and to testify to His grace in their lives. We pray that both of these women would experience the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, guarding their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). For your ex-mother-in-law, we ask the Lord to be her strength as she faces this battle. Melanoma and squamous cell cancer are serious, but they are not beyond the reach of our God, who *"heals all your diseases"* (Psalm 103:3, WEB). May she feel His presence in a tangible way, knowing that He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). We also pray for supernatural healing—complete restoration of her body, mind, and spirit. May the medical treatments be effective, and may the Lord guide the hands and minds of every doctor and caregiver involved in her care.
For your sister-in-law, who is caring for her, we ask the Lord to sustain her in this season of service. Caregiving can be emotionally, physically, and spiritually draining, and we pray that she would not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). May the Lord grant her wisdom, patience, and supernatural endurance. We also pray that she would experience the Lord’s comfort in her own heart, knowing that He sees her sacrifices and will reward her faithfulness. Let her find rest in Him, for Jesus said, *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28, WEB).
We also want to encourage you in your role as an intercessor. You have taken up the call to stand in the gap for these women, and that is a precious thing in the sight of the Lord. Your faith is an example to others, and we pray that the Lord would deepen your trust in Him as you seek His face on their behalf. Remember that prayer is not just about asking for healing—though we boldly do so—but also about aligning our hearts with God’s will. Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, *"Not my will, but yours be done"* (Luke 22:42, WEB), and we, too, submit this situation to the Lord’s perfect will, trusting that He knows what is best.
Let us also take a moment to address the term "ex-mother-in-law." While we understand that family dynamics can be complex, especially after divorce or separation, we encourage you to see her through the lens of God’s love. In Christ, we are called to love one another deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Even if the marriage that once connected you to her has ended, she is still a person created in the image of God, and your prayers for her are a testament to the love of Christ working through you. We pray that any past hurts or divisions would be healed, and that your act of intercession would be a bridge to reconciliation and peace, if it is God’s will.
Finally, we want to remind you of the hope we have in Christ. Whether God chooses to heal your ex-mother-in-law on this side of heaven or calls her home to be with Him, we know that *"to live is Christ, and to die is gain"* (Philippians 1:21, WEB). If healing does not come in the way we hope, we trust that the Lord will use this season to draw her—and all of you—closer to Himself. Our ultimate healing is found in eternity with Jesus, where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or sickness (Revelation 21:4).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts full of faith and trust in Your goodness. We lift up our sister’s ex-mother-in-law, who is battling melanoma and squamous cell cancer. Lord, You are the God who heals, and we ask for Your healing touch to be upon her body. Remove every cancerous cell, restore her strength, and fill her with Your peace. Let her know that she is not alone, for You are with her, and You will never leave her nor forsake her.
We also lift up her daughter, our sister’s sister-in-law, who is caring for her. Lord, grant her strength for each day, wisdom in every decision, and comfort in moments of weariness. Surround her with Your love and remind her that You see her labor of love. May she find rest in You and be filled with Your joy, even in the midst of this trial.
Father, we ask that You would use this situation for Your glory. Draw these women—and all who are praying for them—closer to You. Let Your presence be tangible, Your love undeniable, and Your peace unshakable. We pray for unity in the family, for healing of any past wounds, and for a testimony of Your faithfulness to be made known through this journey.
Lord, we submit this prayer to You in the mighty name of Jesus, knowing that You hear us and that You are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). May Your will be done, and may Your name be glorified. We thank You in advance for Your mercy and grace, and we trust in Your perfect timing.
In Jesus’ precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.
We will continue to stand with you in prayer, believing that God is at work in this situation. Keep trusting, keep praying, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). If there is any way we can further support or encourage you, please let us know. You are not alone in this—we are all part of the body of Christ, and we bear one another’s burdens in love.