“At the beginning of this year, 2025, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think this challenge would enter my life. Now, life is all I can think about: Life, rest, restoration, and God. It’s all been a challenge to say the least. My greatest relief comes from my prayer and meditation times. Connection to God has been my life line as I discern what is important in life and what I can allow to just slip away. I feel like I’ve gone through some type of inner house cleaning. Dealing with cancer or any difficult illness puts things in deep perspective. I find myself coming face to face with life itself and the One who created life. Prayer brought me to a place of deep acceptance, reflection, and inner peace. The battle is not over yet, but I’m not alone in the fight. My spiritual connections remain a source of my inspiration and peace. I take one breath at a time and tackle my days as they come. Its up to God as to how many of those days I have. There might be many or just a few, but either way, I decided to make my days count as they unfold gently and reverently. Ive learned its not about how many days we have but the quality of the days we have that matters. Daily, I breathe in love and breathe out love to the world. Whatever we sow, we reap, right? I might as well sow love and healing to the world, it really needs it. In return, I receive great love in the form of beauty, grace, healing and a lot of hope. I wish you well in all you encounter in life. Take care of yourselves and please don’t take any breath of life for granted.” I love you from here,
Jenine Marie.
Prayer has long been considered a powerful tool in the healing process, especially during times of illness. Many believe that prayer can provide a sense of comfort and hope, as it often fosters a deeper connection with one’s faith. This connection can be essential when facing difficult circumstances, as it encourages individuals to look beyond their immediate challenges and find strength in their spiritual beliefs. The act of praying allows individuals to express their fears and hopes, creating a safe space for vulnerability.
One of the most compelling examples of the healing power of prayer can be found in James 5:15, which states, “And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” This verse directly links prayer with healing, emphasizing the faith involved in the process. It reminds those who are ill that their prayers and their faith can significantly impact their recovery. The concept of prayer as a source of healing is rooted deeply in the Christian tradition.
Biblical figures, such as King Hezekiah, showcase how prayer can lead to miraculous healing. In 2 Kings 20:5, God tells Hezekiah, “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you.” This passage illustrates not only God’s willingness to respond to the prayers of His people but also how personal and sincere prayers can lead to healing. Hezekiah’s heartfelt cries and earnest faith opened the door for his healing.
Another prominent example is found in the New Testament with the story of the woman suffering from a hemorrhage. In Mark 5:34, after she touches Jesus’ garment, He says to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your disease.” This encounter highlights the integral role of faith and prayer in the process of healing. The woman’s determination to reach out in faith results in her healing, affirming the significance of belief in the healing journey.
Moreover, prayers can serve as a form of comfort and community during illness. When friends and family come together to pray for someone who is sick, it reinforces the bonds of love and support. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus reassures us, saying, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” This emphasizes the importance of communal prayer in fostering a supportive environment that can aid in healing.
Prayer not only serves a spiritual purpose but can also have psychological benefits. It can alleviate anxiety and worries associated with illness, allowing the individual to focus on their recovery. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” This practice can lead to feelings of peace that are essential for physical healing.
Furthermore, the act of praying can instill hope, which is a crucial element in overcoming illness. Hope can empower individuals to take charge of their health and seek medical help, knowing they have divine support. In Jeremiah 30:17, God promises, “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” This declaration can inspire believers to maintain their hope throughout their healing journey.
Another notable figure in the Bible, Job, endured profound suffering yet remained faithful through prayer. Job’s situation reminds us that prayer during difficult times can provide resilience and fortitude. Despite his trials, Job ultimately experienced restoration and healing, showcasing the potential that sincere prayer holds during moments of despair.
It’s also important to recognize that healing may come in various forms, not only physical. Sometimes it manifests as emotional or spiritual healing. In Psalm 147:3, it says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” This verse illustrates that prayer can lead to a holistic healing experience, addressing not just the physical body but also the heart and spirit.
In conclusion, prayer plays a vital role in physical healing during times of illness. It serves as a bridge to divine intervention, providing comfort, hope, and community support. Through the examples of biblical figures and scriptural affirmations, we can see how prayer can lead to both miraculous recoveries and emotional resilience, highlighting its importance in the healing process.
Dr. Rev. Jenine Marie Howry
Life Lessons by Jenine Marie 