The cry of sickness is a sharp goad, driving us at last to the mercy seat. When the body is wracked with pain, when the eyes grow dim and the frame trembles, the soul is forced to look beyond itself. It is a mercy, a stern mercy, that our physical weakness so often becomes the birthplace of spiritual strength. You who have been long in coming to the Lord, you who have delayed your petitions, know this: He is not a long while in answering when the heart finally breaks its silence. A true prayer from one who is brought low, even from one whose mind reels with pain and cannot form an orderly sentence, is a prevailing prayer. The groan that has no eloquence but its desperation reaches the throne of God.
Yet, take care how you pray. Let not your prayer be a mere demand, a chariot with wheels torn off by self-conceit. Copy the posture of Jacob, who laid his cause before the Lord with a humble spirit and with arguments drawn from Godโs own character and promise. Spread your case before Him. Plead with the Most High. Tell Him you are His, bought with a price, and that His glory is wrapped up in the well-being of His child. He is the Great Physician, and there is no other. There grows no healing herb but the one plant of renown; there is one sacred Fountain, opened on Calvary, and to wash therein is health. The leaves of that tree, the very little things about Christ, are full of healing virtue.
Therefore, let your prayer rise from the low dungeon of your affliction, but let it be a prayer of faith, not of fear. The healing power of Christ is conspicuously present where He is teaching, and it is linked inseparably to the forgiveness of sin. When the Lord Jesus healed the palsied man, His first word was, "Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you." Pardon and healing are one. The Lord has begun a work of grace in you if you are His, and that healing virtue will work its cure, perfectly healing even your body in His good time, whether here or in the glory to come. We are on our way to eternal health. Why should we, then, say, "I am sick," as those who have no hope? If you could be sure of perfect health tomorrow, the sickness of this hour would weigh less heavily.
Meanwhile, do not forsake the gathering of the saints for prayer. The Church must pray if she would have the healing power. In the prayer meeting, the Church of God may plead for individuals, and there is a peculiar power present when the faithful continue with one accord in supplication. Do not let the dark suggestion of the Evil One drive you from the closet. Cry out, "Lord, come nearer to me." This is a braver, more tender, and not less humble prayer than the cry of terror, "Depart from me." Faith prevents humility from degenerating into unbelief and despair. Prayer, mighty prayer, will yet prevail if it has but time. Be assured of this: the power of the Lord is present to heal, and you who are the patient shall soon be brought into His presence.