Made New

Most churches have a prayer chain or a prayer circle. Although every once in a while I see a request for a cure, the predominant prayer request is for healing. It seems to me that a cure is physical and measurable...healing is spiritual, experiential and relational.

Most people I know have been cured of one ailment or another. Think of the times when you have had a sinus infection or strep throat. One day you feel like your body has been hit by a truck...and then after a few days on antibiotics you wake up one morning and realize...oh my...I feel like myself.

Scientific research has revealed cures for many diseases which were once an inevitable kiss of death. Beyond that, we have developed immunizations against diseases, as well. Preventive medicine has extended the lifespan of humanity.

Cures and preventions,as wonderful as they may be, can have a limited impact upon people. Cures without healing may only address surface issues. Humanity yearns for healing, because, in many cases, people or societies have habits or attitudes that sustain the probability of illness despite science's best progress towards "cures". For example...until smoking is eliminated completely, lung cancer and heart disease will continue. Obesity related diabetes will endure until all people eat balanced, nutritious meals. Mental illness will always lurk in the hallways of homes rooted in resentment, malice, and other forms of dysfunction.

Healing speaks of new life and new lifestyles which radiate from within. In healing, transformation can begin, sometimes, apart from the clinical cure of the ailment. Healing does refer to cellular regeneration (like the healing of a broken bone or a skinned knee)... but in the healing stories of scripture we are told of profound, transformative healing.

When you pray for healing, you are opening your heart to the power of God that can stimulate new life that reaches beyond your physical condition. Healing moves you away from the source of dis-ease and enfolds you within the shelter of God's love, where all things are made new.

I know of many dear people who faced illnesses that could not be cured. But many of those same people spoke of and exhibited healing. Even as their physical condition deteriorated, the inner glow of spiritual vitality was apparent.

How are you praying for healing for yourself and others?