LESSON 4 // PRAYERS THAT HEAL, PART 2

Our theme for this series is taken from Isaiah 37:21-22 when King Hezekiah of Judah learned about the effectiveness of prayer. With the Assyrian king breathing down his neck, Hezekiah sought the Lord for help and deliverance, and God’s Word came to him through the prophet Isaiah:

Isaiah 37:21-22 (NIV) Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib King of Assyria, 22 this is the word the Lord has spoken against him.

In our last study we learned that God is our healer and wants to heal our spirit, soul and body in response to prayer.

Malachi 4:2 (NLT) But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

This lesson will focus on three more ways that God brings healing through prayer: 1. Prayer that heals relationships

Relational pain is sometimes more difficult to deal with than physical pain. It rips our soul apart. The inner pain of relational tension and isolation can be excruciating. Many relationships remain unhealed and unhealthy because no one ever prays. Genesis 32-33 describes the power of prayer to heal broken relationships. In these chapters Jacob and Esau were reconciled after Jacob cried out to God about their relationship and the Lord transformed him from a “taker” to a “giver.” God longs to heal our relationships. He is waiting for us to pray. Such prayer usually changes us as much as it changes the other person. It makes us candidates for reconciliation by: • Softening our hearts. • Adjusting our expectations of others. • Transforming our character so we become “givers” rather than “takers.”

2. Prayer that heals circumstances

Circumstances can be pleasant or painful. Sometimes our circumstances are bitter and hard to bear. God cares about the painful circumstances of your life. While pain is a reality, God’s plan is to turn your pain into progress. He wants to redeem your painful circumstances for His glory.

church-redeemer.org // because you have prayed // lesson 4

Prayer is a part of the process of healing the painful circumstances in our lives. James 5:13a clearly instructs us, “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray.” Exodus 15:22-27 also tells a great story about prayer and the healing of bitter circumstances. Israel was without water for three straight days in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. When they finally found some water it was bitter—and so were the people! But Moses prayed and the Lord gave him insight that led to a miraculous transformation of the bitter water to sweet, drinkable water. The lesson for them and for us is that bitter circumstances can become sweet through prayer and obedience to God!

3. Prayer that heals nations

Just as people can be diseased, so can a nation. National sickness is defined in terms of moral decay, diminished character and integrity among a nation’s citizens.

What cures national sickness? Not political change. Only spiritual change can cure a nation’s ills. This is evidenced throughout Israel’s history in the Old Testament. Scripture teaches us that spiritual change in a nation is directly connected to prayer. We must pray for the healing of our nation. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

1 Timothy 2:1, 2 (NLT) I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

Discussion questions

1. Read Genesis 32:6-13, 24-30; 33:1-4. What do you learn from this story of Jacob and Esau about praying for and working toward healing in your relationships?

2. How can prayer make a difference in your difficult circumstances?

3. What kind of “spiritual change” brings healing to a nation? How can your prayers be part of this for our nation?