Bible Verses for Praying for the Sick
KJV Bible verses for healing the sick — scriptures to pray over loved ones facing illness and disease.
Bible verses for healing the sick. KJV scriptures to pray over loved ones, declaring God's healing power and mercy.
"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." — James 5:14-15 (KJV)
When someone you love is sick, prayer becomes one of the most powerful gifts you can offer. Scripture commands and encourages us to pray for the sick, anointing them with oil and lifting them before the throne of grace. The Lord is moved by the prayers of his people, and his Word is full of promises of healing — physical, emotional, and spiritual. The verses below are chosen to strengthen your faith as you intercede, and to give you Spirit-breathed words to pray over the one God has placed on your heart.
8 Scriptures for Praying for the Sick
James 5:14-15
"Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."Read in context
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."Read in context
Jeremiah 17:14
"Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise."Read in context
Psalm 103:2-3
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;"Read in context
Isaiah 53:5
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."Read in context
Matthew 18:19
"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."Read in context
Exodus 15:26
"If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God... I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee."Read in context
3 John 1:2
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."Read in context
A Prayer for Praying for the Sick
Lord, you are Jehovah Rapha, the God that healeth. I lift up my loved one to you now. Touch their body, comfort their soul, and grant the wisdom of doctors and the peace that passeth all understanding. According to your Word, let the prayer of faith save the sick, and raise them up. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Bible verse should I pray for the sick?
James 5:14-15 instructs us to pray over the sick in the name of the Lord. Jeremiah 17:14 — 'Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed' — is a powerful intercession. Psalm 103:3 declares God 'healeth all thy diseases.'
How do I pray for someone who is sick?
Pray simply, scripturally, and persistently. Ask God for physical healing in line with his Word (James 5:15), for his comfort and peace upon the sick person (Philippians 4:7), for wisdom for medical caregivers, and for the salvation of the soul, which is the greatest healing of all (Mark 2:5).
Does God always heal the sick when we pray?
God hears every prayer of faith (James 5:15), but in his sovereign love he sometimes heals in this life, sometimes through endurance and grace, and sometimes through the ultimate healing of being taken home. Paul's thorn was not removed, yet grace was sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Pray bold prayers, trust God's character.
Should we anoint the sick with oil today?
Yes. James 5:14 instructs the elders of the church to pray over the sick, 'anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.' The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and of being set apart for God's healing work; the power is in the Lord, not the oil itself.
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