Sickness is common in children. Classrooms and popular kid destinations are filled with germs. We can’t see them, but we know they’re there. As hard as parents and teachers try to keep kids healthy, illness is inevitable. Adults tell kids to cover their coughs, use a tissue, and wash their hands, but at the end of the day, they can only control so much.
We also know children aren’t immune to chronic and terminal illnesses. There are entire hospitals and organizations dedicated to helping sick children. In these tough situations, parents may feel helpless and weighed down by the severity of the situation.
From common colds to cancer, children do get sick. We may feel like we’re unable to do anything, but we have a powerful tool in our pocket: the power of prayer. It’s important to remember to pray for children when they are ill. God is always listening. He is present to comfort sick kids and their caregivers, no matter what illness they may have.
Prayers for Children with Short-Term Illnesses
Dear God, I come to you on behalf of [name] today. Please heal their sickness. We know we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Part of your unique design allows our bodies to fight off illness. Help the cells and antibodies do the jobs you created them for. Restore their body to health so they can laugh, play, and work again. In your mighty name, Amen.
Prayer for Rest:
Dear God, I pray this time will be a restorative time for [name]. Help [name] sleep well despite [symptoms]. Calm their mind, body, and soul. Grant them tranquility. Help their body work during rest to restore itself. I pray sleep and rest will allow [name]’s body to heal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Comfort:
Dear Lord, you are the great comforter. We know you promise to always be with us. Please help [name] feel your presence. Help them feel your loving arms around them during this time. I pray their body will be at peace despite the [symptoms]. Comfort them and let them know you are there. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Doctors:
Heavenly Father, you enable doctors to help heal sick children. I pray the doctor will be able to identify this child’s illness and the next steps to take. Give them wisdom to diagnose [name] correctly and know the right interventions needed. I also pray for this doctor’s health, that they will avoid illness so they can continue to help children in need. In your precious name, Amen.
Prayer for Medical Intervention:
Dear God, you helped people create medicine to relieve symptoms and cure diseases. Help the doctor prescribe the needed medication for [name]. I pray the medicine will be available and affordable. Help the medicine work how it is supposed to in their body. I pray for protection against any negative side effects and that the medicine will work quickly and appropriately. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Caregivers of Sick Children:
Dear Lord, it is so hard to take care of a sick child. Please give [caregiver’s name] knowledge to help [name] through this illness. Give them the energy to care for their child in addition to all their other responsibilities. Grant them patience, especially in the midst of life’s demands. Comfort [caregiver’s name] and help them serve [name] well. Please help [caregiver’s name] fight off any germs and refrain from becoming ill. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Siblings:
Heavenly Father, please protect [name]’s siblings. Help them avoid getting sick and remain healthy. Help their antibodies resist the illness and fight off any germs. Also, give them patience while their caregivers tend to [name]’s needs. Calm any fears they have for their sibling, and help them know [name] will be well soon. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer of Praise for Healing:
Dear God, thank you so much for healing [name]. Their symptoms are relieved, and they are strong and healthy. We praise you for the comfort and peace you provided them during their illness. Thank you that they are back to their normal selves. In your glorious name, Amen.
Prayers for Children with Long-Term Illnesses
Dear Lord, we pray for healing for [name]. Restore their body. Get rid of their [symptoms]. Provide them the rest they need to heal so they can have energy to play again. Move God, from their head to their toes, curing the illness throughout their body. In your mighty name, Amen.
Prayer for a Miracle:
Dear God, we know you are the God of Miracles. You are the God who parted the Red Sea and walked on water. You are the God who raised Jairus’ daughter back to life. Heal [name]. The doctors say it isn’t possible, but we know healing is possible with you, Lord. We pray all sickness and symptoms will disappear in Jesus’ name. Restore [name] to health again. In your powerful name, Amen.
Prayer for an Active Life:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy [name] brings to our family. Help them have an active life despite [symptoms]. Help them go to school, make friends, and do all the other things children should be able to do. Provide us with creative solutions to overcome [symptoms] and help [name] live a joy-filled life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer for Comfort:
Dear Lord, you are the Great Comforter. We pray you will work in the life of [name] and provide them comfort during this time. Calm their fears about the future and replace their worry with trust in you. Hold them in your loving arms, Father, and let them know you are near. In your wonderful name, Amen.
Prayer for Mental Illness:
Dear God, you are the creator of our minds and bodies. We don’t know why [name] struggles with [mental illness], but we know you are with them. Help them feel your presence and peace despite the [symptoms]. Restore [name]’s mind and body so they can live life to the fullest. Protect them from harm and give caregivers and doctors wisdom to know the next steps to take. In your powerful name, Amen.
Prayer for the Hospital:
Heavenly Father, thank you for this hospital that can help take care of [name]. Enable the nurses to provide care and comfort to [name]. Give the doctors wisdom to know how to move forward with treating [name]. Thank you that there is a place [name] can go to get the care they need. In your mighty name, Amen.
Prayer for Terminal Illness:
Precious God, we come to you with a downtrodden spirit. We know you hold [name] in your hands. If it’s your will, God, we pray for healing. If [name] has to wait to experience healing until they’re with you, we pray for comfort and peace during this time. Be with [name] and their loved ones. Help us remember this life is not the end. Heaven is awaiting God’s children. In heaven, there is no more suffering and no more pain. Thank you for this promise, God, and thank you for always being near. In your holy name, Amen.
Sickness will come into children’s lives. The illness may be short-lived or long-lasting. Either way, we need to remember to pray for children when they are ill. “All we can do is pray” is a common saying among Christians; however, praying, in fact, is sometimes the most powerful thing we can do. Do you know a sick child today? Pray for them and their caregivers. Know God is listening to every word.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/PeopleImages
Jenna Brooke Carlson is an elementary dual language teacher in the Chicago suburbs. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers, she enjoys spending time with other writers and perfecting her craft. Her debut novel, Falling Flat, spreads the message that healing can occur, even after tragedy. Along with writing, she’s pursuing her dreams of creating a community of brave young women, who she can encourage to live out their dreams amid challenges and imperfection. Her days are busy, but she’s determined she can conquer anything with a fuzzy blanket and a hot cup of tea. To find out more about Jenna, visit her website at jennabrookecarlson.com.
This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
