Prayer Focus: Healing in Jesus’ Name
Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1 & Psalm 147:3
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people
1 Timothy 2:1
He heals the brokenhearted
Psalm 147:3
and binds up their wounds.
Comments:
These verses hardly need comment. Paul is encouraging Timothy to lead the church in prayers. Note here there terms he uses. I suppose this was less about the distinctions in these words but rather making his point by piling on descriptors. Supplications may be for personal needs and intercessions for the needs of others. Prayers is a broader term but in context seems to be the brining of needs before the Father. We can easily pass over the final phrase – thanksgiving being made for all people.
We can have confidence in these prayers because he is the one who heals as seen in Psalm 147. Most likely the emphasis in this verse is emotional rather than physical. The couplet would normally be joined in theme. The second part of the couplet is for illustrative purposes.
Let’s pray for all people as we face the Coronavirus Pandemic and the economic consequences. I want to encourage you specifically to be praying for our medical community – from intake personnel to nurses, doctors and those who clean and disinfect. They are on the front-lines and risk exposure for themselves and their families. Many are stressed either by overwork or concern. Lord, we thank you for their service. Protect them and give them courage.
Prayer Points:
(1) Lord, we pray for doctors, nurses & health care workers. Surround them with your love, fill them with wisdom, use them to minister healing into people’s lives at this time.
(2) Lord, we pray for millions who are broken-hearted. May your church be raised up to minister healing, grace & the love of God to all who lose loved ones, jobs, etc. at this time.
Note: This devotional series is in conjunction with the Pray Hope movement from a group of churches in Belfast, Ireland. Comments are solely mine.
