5 days
Strength During Illness
Five days of comfort and courage during sickness, for you or someone you love.
Day 1
Grace in weakness
9He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
God's power is made perfect exactly where we feel weakest.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. Your grace is sufficient, and your power is made perfect in weakness. Would you renew my strength and meet me in the very place that feels weakest. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Accept one form of help today instead of carrying it alone.
Day 2
Near the broken-hearted
18Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
Psalms 34:18WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
God draws close in discouragement, not distant.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. You draw near to the broken-hearted and promise comfort to those who mourn. Would you sit close to me in this sorrow, and let me feel that I do not grieve alone. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Tell God honestly how the body and heart feel today.
Day 3
I will uphold you
10Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
A steadying hand for fear that comes with sickness.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. You are the God who strengthens and upholds us with your righteous hand. Would you bring healing, comfort, and courage to me, and give wisdom to all who care for me. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Pray for wisdom for the doctors and carers involved.
Day 4
He watches over you
1I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? 2My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth. 3He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber. 4Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5Yahweh is your keeper. Yahweh is your shade on your right hand. 6The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7Yahweh will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul. 8Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more.
Psalms 121WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
The Keeper who neither slumbers nor sleeps through the long nights.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. You are the keeper who neither slumbers nor sleeps, watching over your own. Would you watch over me, guard me from harm, and surround me with your care. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Rest is faithful too. Permit yourself to rest.
Day 5
Held in the hard days
28We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
Not that all is good, but that God works even this toward good.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. You hold plans for a future and a hope, working all things toward good for those who love you. Would you lift my eyes beyond today, and keep hope alive in me even in the waiting. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Name one small good you can still give thanks for today.