Lord Jesus Christ, You are forever working to help us, heal us and save us from this world and from ourselves. May we recognise the great work that you are always doing for us, and be willing to accept the poverty of our efforts in comparison to Yours. Help us gain a true perspective on our lives, we pray: AMEN
Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- What does this poem teach us about illness and the fear of death, and does this relate to the way we think about these things today?
- In your group, discuss the kind of person you believe Hezekiah to be; his characteristics and his qualities as King as found in the book of Isaiah.
- What prayers and blessings might be useful for those who have recovered from illness? How could they be used in the life of the church?
Topis covered by this text
- Personal feelings about illness and death
- God’s salvation from illness and death
- The possibility of resurrection
Personal comments by author:
I know what it is like to work through feelings about illness and sickness, and what it is like to be healed and also not to be healed. There is a deep mystery here, and only God knows why some are healed and some are not. Through thinking about my own experiences however, I am confident that whatever happens to me, the Lord is in control. This is the place where all God’s people need to be if they are to be ‘whole’ in body, soul and spirit.
Ideas for exploring discipleship
- Do you find it easy or hard to pray with people who are ill? If you were to spend some time thinking about how you felt when you were ill, you might be more able to pray for others who are ill now.
- Who would you go to for prayer when you feel ill or sick? It is important to know the answer to this question so that when we are ill, the channels are there for our support and prayer.
Please refer to the general advice on the page ‘discipleship challenges’
The notes below are offered to help you think about the challenges of God’s Word. Read the notes and suggestions below, but don’t try to follow through any more than one thing at any one time!