God cares about the sick and suffering, so let’s make sure to pray for them. And let’s pray beyond mere physical healing. Let’s pray deep, Biblical prayers. Let’s pray in light of the gospel, the Father, the Holy Spirit and the inner being. Let’s pray so as to press people into God, and God into people.Discussion Starters
- Who comes to mind when you think about sick and suffering people in your life?
- Take a moment to remember that God cares for us when we’re suffering. Have three different people read the following passages: Psalm 9:9, Psalm 55:22 and John 14:26-27.
- In your own prayer life, how have you typically prayed for people who are sick or suffering? Think about prayer meetings you’ve participated in. How were the sick and suffering prayed for during these meetings?
- Do you find that we give more attention to praying for sick people than people who are physically well? If so, why do you think this is the case?
- Brainstorm some purposes God may have in allowing his people to suffer. (See John 9:1-7; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 and 1 Peter 1:3-9 for examples.) Have you experienced any of these words of God through personal suffering?
- Read and consider James 5:13-18 together. Have you experienced or witnessed such a miraculous healing?
- Examine Ephesians 3:14-21 together. What do you notice about this prayer? How does it compare and contrast with your own praying? With the praying you hear among our church?
- Take some time to pray together in light of these things for whoever the Holy Spirit brings to mind.
