How to Pray When Someone Is Sick or in Need: Trusting God’s Will and Being His Hands and Heart

When someone we love is sick, hurting, or in need, our hearts naturally cry out to God. Often, the first words we speak are, “Lord, please heal them.” We want their suffering to end, their body to be restored, their spirit to feel hope. These are deeply compassionate prayers—and God hears them all.

But Scripture teaches us something deeper than just asking for a return to health. It teaches us to surrender our desires to the greater wisdom and love of our Heavenly Father. As believers, we are invited not just to pray for what we want, but to pray in alignment with God’s will, even when it's mysterious or difficult.

Praying in Trust, Not Just in Pleading

There is a sacred shift that happens when we begin to pray, “Lord, Your will be done,” instead of only, “Lord, please fix this.”

“And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.” – 1 John 5:14

“Not my will, but Yours be done.” – Luke 22:42

We still ask boldly for healing. Scripture invites us to do that:

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14

But in the same breath, we trust that healing may look different than what we expect. It may come as restoration of the body—or as deep inner peace, renewed spiritual strength, or even a graceful passing into eternal life.

Healing might not mean more time on earth, but rather a final release into perfect peace with God.

What Can We Do as People?

While prayer is powerful, it is not passive. As people of faith, we are also called to be present, be practical, and be love.

Here are some meaningful ways we can actively participate in supporting someone who is sick or struggling:

1. Look at Their Quality of Life with Compassion

Sometimes healing doesn’t mean prolonging life at any cost, but instead prioritizing peace, dignity, and comfort. Ask:

• Are they in constant pain?

• Are they exhausted from treatments or procedures?

• Are they mentally and emotionally overwhelmed?

We can advocate for comfort care, emotional support, and spiritual peace if aggressive treatment becomes more harmful than helpful. God’s love is not just in miracles—it’s in mercy.

2. Help Them Find a Place of Peace and Joy

Encourage moments of beauty and rest. This could look like:

• Helping them listen to worship music or Scripture being read aloud

• Sitting with them in silence, holding their hand

• Watching the sunrise together

• Making a gratitude list with them, even in the midst of difficulty

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” – Isaiah 26:3

Sometimes healing begins in the soul before it ever touches the body.

3. Offer Encouragement and Gentle Hope

People who are sick may feel scared, isolated, or burdensome. Speak life into them—not in false cheerfulness, but in gentle, real hope.

• Tell them what they mean to you.

• Remind them that they are still deeply loved by God.

• Reassure them that they are not alone, no matter what the outcome.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

4. Ask How You Can Help—Then Do It

Practical help is a holy act. Ask the person (or their family):

• Can I bring a meal?

• Can I take you to a doctor’s appointment?

• Would you like me to sit with you while you rest?

Even small things become sacred when done in love.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

5. Pray with Them, Not Just for Them

If they’re open, take a quiet moment to pray together. Your voice may be a lifeline when they’re too tired or weary to find the words. Invite God into the space between you with honesty, not just hope.

“Lord, we don’t understand everything right now. But we trust You. Be near. Hold us both. Help us find peace in whatever You decide.”

6. Support Their Loved Ones Too

Caregivers carry enormous emotional and physical burdens. Offer them kindness, time, and encouragement. Sometimes just being a safe space for someone to cry or vent is one of the most Christlike things you can do.

7. Stay Present—Even in the Hard Moments

Don’t disappear if the situation gets worse. Our presence matters, even when we don’t have answers or things to say.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15

In All Things, Let Love Lead

When we pray for someone who is suffering, let our prayers be rooted in faith—but also in surrender. Let our love move us into action—not to fix what we cannot control, but to serve, sit with, support, and see them through with dignity.

May we remember that healing may not always mean surviving, but it always means being held in the loving hands of our Heavenly Father.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

Let us pray, trust, and act in the light of His perfect love—knowing that whatever the outcome, God is already there.