If you’ve ever battled a chronic illness, it can lead you to a place of discouragement and eventually despair. With so much pain and frustration, it leaves you wondering if it will ever stop. Chronic illness is an uphill battle and a long road filled with suffering. To help you navigate through this difficult time, here are eight prayers to consider.
1. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. – Psalm 34:18 NLT
God is close. Father, I thank You for being close to the broken-hearted. You promised me the gift of Your presence. Teach me to cling to You like never before. In moments when I feel so much pain and discomfort, would You please comfort me with Your presence? Thank You for being a good Shepherd that never abandons me. I choose to trust You are near. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
2. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light. – 1 Peter 2:9 NLT
There is a purpose. Lord, I thank You for giving me purpose. My life matters. At times, when I feel like I am a burden to those around me, may I never lose sight of my purpose. You’ve called me to love You and love those You’ve placed in my life. Father, I pray I will never lose sight of this truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
3. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. – Isaiah 40:29 NLT
God Renews Our Strength. Heavenly Father, when I run out of energy and strength, I tend to lose my joy. Please restore my strength. You said in Your Word that You give strength to the weary, and You increase the power of the weak. Please restore my strength. Fill me with joy once again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
4. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2 NLT
We Are Not Alone. Lord, in moments where I struggle with loneliness, please help me find a good support system. I often feel I am the only one going through this pain. Please give me the humility to reach out for help. You’ve given me the body of Christ to support me in every season. Give me the strength to reach out. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
5. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. – Hebrews 4:15 NLT
We Are Understood. Heavenly Father, as I receive help, please strengthen me to be open about my feelings. When I struggle to share my doubts and fears, help me to let them out. Most importantly, may You be the first place I run to. Teach me to process my fears and doubts with You, Lord. I trust You are an empathetic High Priest who cares deeply for me. Thank You for loving me the way You do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
6. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” – Mathew 19:26 NLT
God Is Able. Father, I pray for healing over my illness. I know nothing is impossible with You. Please take away my pain and restore my body. I trust You no matter what the outcome, but I ask for You to heal me because I know You care, and I know You can. I ask this in faith, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
7. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Fear Not. Heavenly Father, please fill me with Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding when I feel afraid. I pray for Your peace to guard my heart and mind. Help me never to lose heart, especially in moments where all I see is pain. Lord, I trust You are in control and Your plan for me is good. I choose to believe You are working all things out for my good. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
8. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
Take Thoughts Captive. Lord, when my mind starts to wander, strengthen me to take my thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ Jesus. Please help me identify incorrect thinking patterns and replace them with the truth of Your Word. Father, Your Word has the final say. I thank You that I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. During my pain, I will choose to walk in this victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.