Last year, I walked with my mom through breast cancer, and before that, I supported friends through their own cancer journeys. It's a terrifying diagnosis to receive and a heartbreaking path to walk with a loved one.
Whether you or someone you love has had their life altered by this small but scary word, the Lord invites you to come to Him in prayer.
Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." May the following prayers guide you in talking with our Lord.
1. A Prayer of Acceptance
Father God, I am still in shock by this diagnosis. I feel numb and disconnected from reality. I keep asking myself if I heard the doctor correctly. Or perhaps the test results were wrong, and I'll get a phone call any minute telling me there was a mistake.
Help me accept this news. Help me engage with what's happening and face this diagnosis in a way that honors you. Help me lean on you and trust you more as we face the road ahead.
Lord, fix my eyes on Deuteronomy 31:8: "It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/ Oliver Rossi
2. A Prayer for Peace
Father God, as the reality of this diagnosis sets in, please help me to be calm. I feel the anxiety creeping in. I'm afraid of what this diagnosis means. I'm overwhelmed by the thought of numerous doctors, ongoing tests, and treatments that will likely make me feel sick.
Give me a peace that passes understanding—a peace that can only come from you. Allow your Holy Spirit to minister to my heart when the fear comes and the anxiety threatens to take over. Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. I need you now more than ever.
Lord, fix my eyes on John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
3. A Prayer for Strength
Father God, this journey is long and I'm tired. It's tempting to give up and stop fighting. My body is weak, my mind is foggy, and my motivation is waning. What can I do but turn to you? Where can I go but to my Lord?
Renew my strength as I wait on you. Remind me that you are working in the waiting. Renew my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength that I might testify to your power.
Lord, fix my eyes on Isaiah 40:31: "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
4. A Prayer for Comfort
Father God, this road is lonely. Even with people around me, I feel alone every step of the way. No one else feels what I feel, fears what I fear, or understands the constant battle that's going on in my mind. I'm so afraid.
Remind me that I am not alone, and that this diagnosis is not unique to me. Give me comfort - the comfort that only you can give. And then I ask that you give me opportunities to comfort others with the comfort you have given me.
Lord, fix my eyes on Psalm 119:76: "Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant."
5. A Prayer for Healing
Father God, you are the great physician, and I ask that you heal me. Whether that's supernaturally or through the hands of my doctors, please heal my body. I know you are all-powerful, and healing my body would be easy for you. If you say it, it will be so.
I trust you in all things, I surrender this cancer to you, and I trust you with it. Wrap me in your healing arms and remind me of your faithfulness. Remind me that you are good, faithful, and loving, no matter what is to come.
Lord, fix my eyes on Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Related: Powerful Prayers for Healing That Provide Strength and Comfort
6. A Prayer for Support
Father God, this diagnosis has forced me to prioritize myself over so many other things. But those other things still need to be done, even though I don't have the energy. Free me from feeling like a failure, and give me peace as I prioritize my health in this season.
Put me on the hearts of friends and family. Prompt them to step in and help me. Sometimes I'm too prideful to ask for help, and other times I would beg for help if I had the energy. You are my provider, and I trust you to meet my needs.
Lord, fix my eyes on Galatians 6:2: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
7. A Prayer for Wisdom
Father God, I wasn't prepared for the number of doctors I would see and all the decisions that would need to be made. I'm so overwhelmed. There are medical options, natural options, and options that fall somewhere in between. I fear judgment for whatever path I choose and feel paralyzed by it all.
Give me wisdom. Give me clarity and discernment. Guide me in knowing what voices to listen to and what options to walk away from. Give my doctors wisdom. Give wisdom to those I go to for advice. Help me know what path you have for me.
Lord, fix my eyes on James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
If you or someone you love is fighting cancer, know you are not alone. Not only are millions of other people facing a similar struggle, but your heavenly father is with you, always.
There may be times when you feel God has forgotten you, or that He doesn't hear your cries. In those times, be encouraged by His Word, truth, and everlasting love.
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:39-39)
Originally published Thursday, 10 July 2025.