Topical Bible: Parents: should Pray for Their Children: when in Sickness

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In times of sickness, the role of parents as intercessors for their children becomes profoundly significant. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of prayer, especially when one's child is afflicted with illness. Parents are called to seek divine intervention, trusting in God's power to heal and comfort.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. The Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:24-30): This passage recounts the account of a Gentile woman who approached Jesus, pleading for the healing of her demon-possessed daughter. Despite initial resistance, her persistent faith moved Jesus to heal her child. This narrative highlights the power of a parent's faith and prayer in seeking healing for their children. Jesus commended her, saying, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter" (Mark 7:29).

2. Jairus and His Daughter (Mark 5:21-43): Jairus, a synagogue leader, earnestly sought Jesus to heal his dying daughter. His faith and desperation as a parent led him to Jesus, who ultimately raised the girl from the dead. Jesus' words to Jairus, "Do not be afraid; just believe" (Mark 5:36), serve as a reminder for parents to maintain faith in God's healing power.

3. The Centurion's Servant (Matthew 8:5-13): Although this account involves a servant rather than a child, the centurion's faith in Jesus' authority to heal from a distance is a powerful example of intercessory prayer. Jesus marveled at his faith, saying, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith" (Matthew 8:10). This account encourages parents to trust in Jesus' ability to heal, regardless of physical proximity.

Theological Insights

Prayer is a vital expression of faith and dependence on God. In times of sickness, parents are encouraged to turn to God, who is described as the Great Physician. The Bible assures believers of God's compassion and willingness to hear their prayers. James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick."

Practical Application

Parents are encouraged to:

· Pray with Faith: Approach God with confidence, believing in His power to heal. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

· Pray with Persistence: Like the Syrophoenician woman, parents should persist in prayer, trusting that God hears and responds in His perfect timing.

· Pray with Community: Engage the faith community in prayer, as seen in James 5:14-15, where the collective prayer of the church is emphasized.

· Pray with Surrender: Ultimately, parents should surrender their desires to God's will, trusting in His wisdom and love for their children. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

In times of sickness, prayer becomes a powerful tool for parents, not only seeking physical healing but also spiritual strength and peace for their children and themselves.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 12:16
David therefore sought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night on the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 5:23
And sought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lies at the point of death: I pray you, come and lay your hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 4:46,49
So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Our First Parents and their Fall
... to resist every temptation; and if anyone should excuse his ... Matt.26:41) to watch
and pray lest they ... is the sin called which we inherit from our first parents? ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 5 on our first.htm

Family Religion.
... more important that they teach them to pray than to ... You should rather blush that
you have not begun this ... Parents wait until their children have grown up, and ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter iii family religion.htm

Trials to be Met.
... not removed by death, must in person pray with their ... important reason, then, why
a missionary should have a ... are sent, they go of course without their parents. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter viii trials to be.htm

On Matrimony
... direct their choice; and by seeking the advice of their parents and the blessing
of their pastors ... They should pray for a long time that they may make a good ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 26 on matrimony.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... and often studies to irritate and vex his parents; which, though ... a son of so many
prayers and tears should perish ... from the contagion of the times; pray that as ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

2 Sam. 23:4-5. Without Clouds.
... Here upon earth we pray, and read, and fight, and ... the serpent's head," and that the
curse should be taken ... before the old, and the children before the parents. ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xiv 2 sam 23 4-5.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... hears' (1 Samuel 3:9). When God bids his children pray in their ... that a child should
be freed from duty to his parents? ... It is sad that the breast should kill any ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Letter Xcviii. (AD 408. )
... them liable to condemnation, the children should receive justification ... Now I am
surprised that parents can in ... in conclusion: "To these questions I pray you to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xcviii a d 408.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Parents, I beseech you, for your children's sake, beware of over-indulgence. ... Do not,
I pray you, make your children idols, lest God should take them ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Marks of a True Conversion
... If parents were convinced of this, I believe they ... the delusions of the devil, and
by their imprudence give ... open to every one's assault: we should pray for the ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/marks of a true conversion.htm