According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 1,806,590 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the United States in 2020. These numbers are staggering! Sometimes cancer seems to delight humanity. Not only are the treatments long and harsh, but the emotional toll is great. Cancer on your medical record instantly triggers anxiety, anxiety, and depression for many.
I know the cancer journey well because I am a survivor myself. It was one of the most terrifying journeys of my life, but also one of the most clarifying journeys of my life. Looking back, I see how my intimacy with God has grown during this time. Prayer, praise, and the scriptures were all part of this growth journey.
Prayer and the Bible for cancer patients are a lifeline. God cares and comforts. How can cancer patients find comfort in the scriptures and prayer? Let’s start with the scriptures and then move on to prayers for cancer patients.
Comforting scriptures for cancer patients
God is a God of comfort. In 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 The apostle Paul writes: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercy and the God of all consolation, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort them in all troubles with consolation” we ourselves receive from God. ”When a patient goes through cancer, they remember that God wants to give comfort. He is a god of compassion.
Another great passage to comfort the heart of the cancer patient is Psalm 46. In this amazing psalm David writes: “God is our refuge and strength, an omnipresent help in need, so we will not be afraid even if the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea ”(Psalm 46: 1-2). As the cancer patient prays the words from Psalm 46, the presence of God envelops them. I remember learning this psalm by heart and reciting it every day during my cancer journey. It’s such a comforting psalm.
In Psalm 139, the psalmist reminds us that all of our days are written for us. Although cancer surprises the patient, it does not surprise God. Although God is not the originator of cancer, He allows it and it does not shock or panic. We are reminded that God determined our birth and He will determine the exact hour that He will bring us home.
Although cancer is not good, the cancer patient can trust God’s goodness. Cancer cannot separate us from the presence of God. As the psalmist writes, “Where can I go of your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ”- Psalm 139: 7. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you” (Psalm 139:12).
Although the journey through Cancer feels very dark, God is not threatened by the darkness. What a comforting scripture for a cancer patient! Rest assured, God will give you, dear cancer patient, the light of His Presence and guide you through the darkness to the best treatments.
Another comforting passage for a cancer patient is Isaiah 41:10, “So do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be frightened because I am our God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold you with my just right hand ”. Cancer’s journey can leave you weak and exhausted. What a consolation to know that God himself offers us his strength in our weakened condition and holds us with his righteous right hand!
Just as scripture comforts cancer patients, prayer is a lifeline. The practice of learning to pray the scriptures during the Cancer Journey not only brings healing for damaged emotions, but hope as well.
1. A prayer for cancer patients for hope and healing
We are always invited to ask God for healing. Sometimes God heals in this life and sometimes He heals as the person moves from death to life in eternity. Research tells us that those who have hope during the cancer journey have far better chances of survival. Below is a prayer for cancer patients for hope and healing.
Lord Jesus,
I praise you for being the holy healer. Thank you for inviting me to ask for healing. You are the resurrection and the life. You will bring life to life on this journey too. Oh saint, cancer is not what I expected or planned to be. I am scared and afraid. Lord, even when I am afraid, I trust that you are my refuge and strength, an omnipresent help in need. Help me to be still and to know – not only intellectually, but experientially that you are God. I know that you are sovereign and in control even when life is out of control. You are the blessed controller of all things. Strengthen my faith, I pray. Even if cancer takes my physical body, you promise eternal life without death or dying. Thank you for being the god of hope. Fill me with hope, joy and peace as I persevere with you on this journey through Cancer.
(James 5: 14-15, John 11:25, Psalm 46: 1, 10, 1 Timothy 6:15 Philip’s translation, Romans 15:13).
2. A prayer for the relatives of cancer patients
For a cancer patient’s family member, the journey can sometimes feel even more difficult than it is for the patient. Seeing your loved one suffering and feeling so out of control can be very unsettling. The following prayer is for those who walk the path with the cancer patient.
Lord God
I am so scared when I think of __________________ (name of a loved one) going through cancer. Holy holy there is so much I don’t understand about cancer and I wish I could do that for you. Lord, I ask for courage. Help me be strong and courageous while out and about with __________ (insert lover’s name). Bring calm to this mess. When I don’t know what to do, help me remember that you promise to give wisdom to those who ask. I come to you now and ask for wisdom. Holy Spirit show me how to bring the comforting and comforting presence of Christ to my loved one. Show me how you can encourage moment to moment in our journey together. Help me listen carefully as they process their feelings, just as you bend over and listen to me. Father, may I be used by you to encourage _________________. Fill me with new love as we travel this valley together.
(Joshua 1: 9, James 1: 5, Romans 15: 1-2, Psalm 116: 2 NLT).
3. A prayer of praise for those who have gone through cancer
You may find it strange that I add a prayer of praise for cancer patients. However, what I discovered during my own journey through cancer was that His Holy Spirit soothed my fear and anxiety as I faithfully praised God for who He was above my cancer. As I praised him, I felt his presence more than ever. Praising God has opened my heart in a new way to experience the presence of God, and I believe it will do the same for you.
Father God
You are my creator. I praise you for understanding at this moment how every cell in my body interacts with every other cell. I praise you for being the one to free me from fear. Thank you for being eternally loyal and infinitely good. I praise you for promising to walk with me through the valley of the shadows of death and that I have no evil to do because you are my loving shepherd. Thank you for your rod and staff to comfort me on this journey. I commend you that your wisdom goes beyond that of an oncologist and that you promise that you are the giver of wisdom. Thank you for giving wisdom to every doctor who treats me. I praise you that I can trust you and relax in your loving care. As a loving father calms a child with his love, so you sing about me and calm me with your love. I praise you for continuing to strengthen and courage me on this path. You will never leave me or leave me I can relax in your lasting love. I love you sir
(Psalm 27: 1, Psalm 23, Romans 11:36, Zephaniah 3:17, Hebrews 13: 5).
While the cancer journey is terrifying, it can also be clarifying. As you study the scriptures, prayer, and praise, God can use your journey to deepen your path with Him.
Photo credit: © GettyImages / AndreaObzerova
Authentic. Passionate. They all describe Becky Harling in a witty and biblical way. As a bestselling author, Becky is a popular speaker at conferences, retreats, and other events. She is the author of 11 books including How to Listen for Your Children to Speak, Psalms for the Anxious
Heart, and The Extraordinary Power of Praise, published June 2021. Becky is a certified trainer on the John Maxwell Team and an experienced Bible teacher. You can connect with Becky at www.beckyharling.com, www.harlingleadership.com, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beckyharlingminstries, Twitter, @beckyharling or on Instagram at Becky Harling