Prayer and purpose

A world that points to a Creator

Science is a wonderful gift. It helps us understand how the world works — how the heart beats, how medicine heals. But science alone cannot explain why there is something rather than nothing, why the universe follows such precise laws, or why we long for love, meaning and hope. The order, beauty and design all around us point to a Creator who made it all, and who made you on purpose.

• “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

• “The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.”

• “I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

God sees your pain

The Bible never pretends that life is easy. David, Elijah, Job and Jeremiah all wrote honestly about despair, sleeplessness, fear and deep sorrow. Feeling low or anxious is not a sign of weak faith. God draws near to the broken-hearted.

• “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”

• “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God!”

• “Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you.”

In Jesus’ own words

Jesus spent much of His time with the sick, the troubled and the forgotten. He touched people others avoided, and He healed body, mind and spirit. Here is what He said to the weary.

• “Come to me, all you who labour and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest… for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.”

• “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you… Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.”

• “Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”

• “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.”

• “In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

Scripture for sickness, worry and the mind

Scripture invites us to bring every illness and every fear to God in prayer, to lean on others, and to fill our minds with what is true and good. God also works through doctors, medicine and counsellors — Luke, who wrote one of the Gospels, was himself a physician.

• “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”

• “Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.”

• “For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”

• “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him… Pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

• “He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.”

• “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

The good news

The Bible tells us that God made us to know Him and be loved by Him. But all of us have turned away and fallen short, and that brokenness touches every part of our world — including sickness, sorrow and death.

Because of His great love, God sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again on the third day — defeating sin and death. Anyone who turns to Him and trusts Him receives forgiveness, a new beginning and eternal life. This is a gift, not something we earn. One day He will wipe away every tear.

• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

• “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

• “If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

• “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more.”

Would you like someone to pray with you?

You can reach out by phone or by email. You do not have to tell us your name, who you are, or where you are from. Just share what is on your heart — we will pray with you and for you.

Prayer and medical care work together. If you are in danger right now, please call 911 or 988.