prayers · kjv
Prayer for Healing
Biblical prayers for healing. Hebrew word rapha (to mend), Yahweh Rapha name, Moses' 5-word prayer, James 5:14-15, and Jesus's healings.
Biblical Prayers for Healing
The Bible records many prayers for physical and spiritual healing — from private pleas to formal intercessions. Unlike modern formulaic prayer lists, biblical healing prayers vary in language, setting, and result. Some receive immediate healing, others do not. The text records both.
The Hebrew Word: Rapha
The primary Hebrew verb for "heal" is rapha (רָפָא, Strong's H7495) — meaning "to sew together, mend, repair, make whole." It appears in one of God's self-given names:
Exodus 15:26 — "I [am] the LORD that healeth thee" (Yahweh Rapha, יהוה רֹפְאֶךָ).
Notable Biblical Prayers for Healing
- Moses for Miriam (Numbers 12:13) — the shortest recorded healing prayer: "Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee." Five words in English, five in Hebrew.
- Hezekiah on his sickbed (2 Kings 20:2–5) — the king "turned his face to the wall" and wept. God adds 15 years to his life.
- David's Psalm 6 — "Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I [am] weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed."
- David's Psalm 30:2 — "O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me."
- James 5:14–15 — the only New Testament liturgical instruction on praying for the sick: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."
Jesus's Healings and Prayers
The Gospels record roughly 37 individual healings by Jesus, plus numerous group healings. He used various methods: word alone (Matthew 8:13), touch (Mark 1:41), clay and saliva (John 9:6), or at a distance (John 4:50). Only once is it explicitly recorded that Jesus could not heal many — "because of their unbelief" (Matthew 13:58, Nazareth).
When Healing Does Not Come
Scripture does not promise physical healing to every prayer. Paul recounts praying three times for a "thorn in the flesh" to be removed, and God's answer was, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). The biblical record presents healing as real, but variable — not a formula.
What does the Bible say about praying for healing?
The Bible addresses prayer for healing with deep compassion and clarity. From the Psalms to the words of Jesus, Scripture meets you in this exact feeling and offers comfort, strength, and direction. Here are the most powerful verses — each chosen because they speak directly to what you're going through.
Most Powerful Verses
Exodus 15:26
“If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”
— Bible
Numbers 12:13
“And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.”
— Bible
2 Kings 20:5
“Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.”
— Bible
Psalms 6:2
“Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.”
— Bible
Psalms 30:2
“O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.”
— Bible
Want Scripture chosen specifically for you?
Share what you're feeling and our AI will find the 3 Bible verses that speak directly to your heart right now.
Speak Your Heart →More Verses
Psalms 103:3
“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;”
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.”
James 5:14
“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:”
James 5:15
“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”
Related Topics
God's Word sees your soul
These verses are even more powerful when chosen specifically for your story. No account needed. No payment. Just you and God's Word.
Begin Your Journey →