Lately, I’ve heard the news that two family members and three of my friends have cancer. I wonder why this keeps happening. My heart breaks and I want to do something to help.
The one thing I can do is pray—and it is no small thing. Prayer is powerful! In case you don’t know how to pray, here are some examples of how I talk to God about friends with cancer.
A prayer for surgery:
Dear Lord,
Comfort my dear friend with cancer. Bless ______’s family today as he/she has surgery. Give _____ and his/her family strength and the fullness of Your love today and each day after. Give _____’s doctors Your healing touch and wisdom as they excavate every cell of destruction. May _____ feel Your presence through this challenge and may her/his family feel your loving kindness. Orchestrate complete healing and new strength. Fill _____ with hope and comfort.
Amen
A prayer for recovery:
Father God,
Cover my dear friend with a garment of strength. Empower _____ with a positive attitude and a will to fight. When _____ feels low, tired, sick, or beaten, send your spirit to comfort and restore him/her. Fill _____’s body with healthy new cells and balance that delivers health. Allow _____ to sleep restfully with peace and sweet dreams. Extinguish fear and thoughts of darkness. Replace negativity with abundant light in _____’s spirit. Envelope _____ with your embrace of love and protection. Provide for _____’s deepest desires and most intimate needs through people who care and effective resources. Supply wisdom from medical professionals and good advice from friends.
Amen
Psalm 3:3-4
But You, O Lord, are a shield about me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain.
(New Living Translation)
For information about how to support a loved one with cancer visit:
A helpful video about taking with someone about cancer by Dr. Lidia Schapira.
