Healing Prayers
Bible Reading: James 5:13-16
Author: Debbi Whitezell
Author: Debbi Whitezell
Tuesday 11 August 2026 © The Upper Room.
For years I worked as a cardio-thoracic surgical nurse, preparing and sending people to heart bypass surgery. Twenty-four hours after surgery patients returned to our ward with tubes and drips and often in considerable discomfort.
Each shift my patients were randomly assigned to me by a nurse on the previous shift, so I never knew exactly who they were until I received my assignment. So I developed a strict habit of praying for each of my patients during my 30-minute commute to the hospital each day.
Even if I didn’t know who those patients would be, there was great peace in knowing that God knew.
Heart bypass surgery is often a frightening experience for my patients; they know their heart will be temporarily stopped while being repaired by human hands.
Seeing their fear, I have often asked if they wanted me to pray for them. No one has ever refused. I never knew my patients’ spiritual background, but I did find a common human need for God’s comfort and healing power.
Knowing I was praying for them seemed to give my patients a visible peace. Psalm 29:11 says, ‘The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace’ (NIV).
Prayer: Dear Father God, help us always to be sensitive to the fears and needs of others and to strengthen them with your word. Amen



