When You Need the Great Physician
Dear YOU,
Is it just me, or are there way too many friends and loved ones currently struggling with medical challenges? I so often feel helpless to make their situation better, to offer hope, to find provision for their needs, even though I would do anything to heal them if I could.
One day some friends of a paraplegic man tried desperately to get him close to Jesus for healing, but were prevented by the crowds. Cleverly, they took his stretcher to the roof, made a hole in the ceiling, and lowered this paralyzed man to the feet of Jesus! Not only did Jesus forgive and heal the man completely, but he was impressed with the friends’ boldness. (Luke 5)
What can we do when someone is sick?
Carry them to Jesus. Consult the Great Physician. And by this, I mean we can intercede in prayer on their behalf. Boldly.
I have often shared this prayer to those undergoing medical treatment and I’m passing it along so you can do the same:
A Liturgy for the Morning of a Medical Procedure
You designed our bodies, O Lord, with wondrous capacity for regeneration and healing. You give wisdom and knowledge and skill to those who by long training in their professions learn to diagnose and treat ailments of the body. And you, by your Spirit, sometimes effect miracles of healing that even the most skilled of practitioners cannot duplicate.
Today, as I submit myself to this procedure, I ask, O Lord, that by all means your care toward me would be manifest, for I am utterly dependent upon you. Give to my body immunity and vitality that I might recover quickly. Give me strength and health to resist complications. Give to my medical providers wisdom, skill, and insight. And by your Spirit, transcend even what body and medicine at their best might do. Where it is needed, bring the healing of your own touch to bear in my mortal frame.
Be merciful, O God.
Show your goodness to me, and to those who share my concern. Be now my physician, my mender, my healer. Even in the midst of this procedure, let me rest in you.
As I approach this procedure I acknowledge my own fears at the possibility of outcomes I cannot control.
O God unshaken by any circumstance, be now my rock and my refuge.
Still my racing thoughts. Speak peace to this gale-storm of my insecurities.
Give me also grace to trust, to rest my trepidations in you, for your purposes and your presence transcend all possible outcomes.
Whether the end result of this procedure brings news that is good, bad, or uncertain, nothing that is essential or eternal will have changed.
My great hope is secure. Let me rest in that.
At the end of this day, I will still be your child, utterly dependent on you, utterly loved by you.
At the end of this day, my life will yet be hidden with Christ, even as it now is. I will remain an heir to the promise that this imperfect, mortal body, though it faces temporary decline, will one day be swallowed up in a glorious immortality.
We pray for good outcomes from this procedure, O Lord.
But we know that regardless of the tidings to come, you are tender and present and sovereign over all circumstance, and what is more you love us fiercely and eternally.
Therefore I will trust you to lead me well along the paths of any wild and perilous country. You are my Shepherd. This day will hold no surprises for you. Let me rest in that. AMEN.
©2017 “Every Moment Holy” Douglas McKelvey (Rabbit Room Press)
And now, in closing, since your are my people, may I humbly ask…
Will You Carry Me to Jesus - in Prayer?
I am currently undergoing some medical challenges, and do so appreciate your prayers as I seek diagnosis, treatment, and healing. Will share more as I can. God is close beside me.
“Therefore I will trust you to lead me well along the paths of any wild and perilous country. You are my Shepherd. This day will hold no surprises for you. Let me rest in that. Amen.“
Hineni, Here I am.
Every Blessing, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength”
©2022 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, she has authored 16 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” , “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most,” “God’s Purpose for You,” and “The Courage to Write.” (Purchasing my books here benefits me as an Amazon associate.) She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words weekly at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Cindy, well said, this places it exactly in the Hands of God, I’m saving this.
Dearest Vicki, Yes, it is ALL IN GODS HANDS. Thank you for care and prayers. Love Cindy
Cindy,
Both Clark and I will be upholding you in prayer. May God continue to give you peace and grace as you go forward trusting for insight and wisdom for your medical team.
Blessings,
Becky
Ohhh lucinda, I am wrapping you in prayer. Your words spoke directly to my trembling heart. ❤️❤️ sending love
I went through really difficult and undiagnosed medical issues in early 2022. Hold fast to him and commit to trust him no matter what happens. He knows the path through and will guide you. All you have to do is follow and watch his amazing supply.
Dearest Carol, This is so true - Hold Fast! I do trust Him. Thank you. Love Cindy
Dearest Barbara, Congratulations on your marvelous new book baby! Thank you for hearing my heart and interceding on my behalf. Know that I hear your heart as well and am so privileged to pray for you in all the days ahead. May God be glorified. Love Lucinda
Lord Jesus
Please heal our sister Lucinda from whatever medical problems she is facing. Wrap your arms tightly yet tenderly around her and give her your peace❣️🙏🏻
Dear Debbie, I am feeling those tight and tender arms around me today. Thank you. Love Lucinda
Mike and I will be stretcher-bearers for the long-haul. And we will not set you down, dear friend.
Dearest Maggie, You and Mike are the best stretcher-bearers and I cannot thank you enough for all your prayers and love. Love BFF
Oh Lucinda - you are such an encourager for so many, so now I want to bless you with encouragement. I am asking the Lord of heavens armies to pour out His Spirit of encouragement, wisdom, clarity and most of all peace upon you! He sees you my freind. I am grateful God has blessed me with knowing you and will count it a privilege to pray for you over the next few weeks!
Dearest Tracy, Thank you for these words of blessing and prayer over me, so powerful. I thank you for reaching out. I still haven’t sent you a card in the loss of your mama. Good intentions…. Know my prayers are with you as well. Love Lucinda
May He give you His peace, love, strength and wisdom in the days ahead, and always. 🙏💕
Dear Peggy, Yes, soaking in His peace today - which is beyond all… Love Lucinda
Thank you for this beautiful post and prayer. I will surely pray for you.
Dear Jeannie, You are a true encourager and I thank you for your prayers on my behalf. Love Lucinda
I’m praying for you, Lucinda! God’s holding you close. sending a big hug.
Dear Crickett, Hey, I just received that wonderful Tennessee hug from you and feel better already. Love Lucinda
I’m continuing to pray, dear one.
Dear Kirsten, Thank you for holding me before the throne of grace. Love Lucinda
Cindy, it was God’s design that I read this today! Thank you for these powerful words. I will be lifting you up in prayer as you face your challenges. 🙏🙏
Dearest Judy, Prayed for you yesterday and entrusting all to the One who loves us both more than we can imagine. Love Cindy
Lucinda, I am praying for your health, peace, and joy. You are loved!
Oh Diann, Thank you for blessing me in this way today. I am utterly grateful. Love Lucinda
Entrusting you to the Great Physician, and that you’ll sense His compassion and love in the faces of those who treat you.
Dearest Jeanne, Thank you for this great reminder of His compassion which FAILS NOT and is NEW EVERY MORNING. May it be also there for you and Rich. Love Cindy
Praying for you and your health challenges, dear Cindy …may you know God’s peace, comfort and reassurance that He is always present , you are not alone.❤️🙏
Dearest Chris, Thank you for reaching out. Please remember Mike too and the kids. I promise to keep in touch. Love Cindy
Father, we lower our dear sister before You, knowing ALL things serve You. We entrust Cindy (heart soul & body) & all her circumstances to You merciful & matchless King. Wrap Your arms around Your ‘Beloved’ allowing her to rest upon Your chest. Speaking Benjamin’s blessing over you sweet friend & your family .“About Benjamin he said: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.”
Deuteronomy 33:12 Held… amen
Dearest Jessie, This is such a powerful prayer for me today. I shall “rest secure” in Him. Love Cindy
We are speaking Jesus over you, sweet sister. This is yet another chapter in your life that He is writing. And it will be a mighty testimony that he will use for you to share as you continue your amazing ministry. Remember, you are a Soul Strong (!) woman of God. May you be overwhelmed with His Presence, Power, Peace, and Provision. Sending lots of love, hugs, and prayers!
Dearest little sister, Susan. Thank you for being one of my heroine survivors, and great prayer warriors! Love you.
Sweet Cindy, I’m carrying you to Jesus, our Great Physician—as you have carried so many of us over the years. Bless you, dear friend, see you soon. Meanwhile, I hope you feel my huge TX hugs and prayers. 💓
Word from the Lord sent to you with much love and on the wings of a prayer:
Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. Psalm 23:4 TPT
Daivd and I are praying fervently! ✝️💕🛐
Very timely! I have a Cat Scan today….. I will be praying for you also. Nancy
My prayers will cover you my dear sister in Christ! You are loved by the creator and held in prayer by me. In His Grace and Peace, Cyndy Barnes