Jeremiah 17:14

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.

“Heal me, hands of Jesus, and search out all my pain; 
Restore my hope, remove my fear, and bring me peace again.” 
-- Michael Perry (UMH #262, verse 1) 

I recently underwent surgery to replace my left knee. I had the same surgery almost three years ago to replace my right knee, so I knew (more or less) what to expect this time. But no two surgeries are ever exactly the same. While I certainly had less pain this time than with the first surgery, and my recovery is moving along very well, that does not mean I have been without pain or frustration in the healing process. 

I have found myself on more than one occasion singing the words of Michael Perry’s hymn over the past 2-3 months, as my prayer for relief from the situation. First, for the weeks of pain while I awaited my surgery date and more recently for the pain that must be endured through post-operative physical therapy. I don’t feel the need for this prayer hymn so much these days, as the end of physical therapy is in sight now, the walker has been returned to the person who loaned it to me, and my cane is (more or less permanently) parked in a corner of my bedroom. 

But, when I contemplate the daily onslaught of difficult situations in our world, this prayer seems appropriate for most days. Many of us carry personal pain that we aren’t ready to share with others. When we see the daily news feed of war and rumors of war, famine, hate crimes, and general discontent in the world it can be hard to maintain much hope. And where hope is lost, fear can enter. 

The Gospel writers tell us that Jesus spent much of his ministry healing people who came to him with conditions that separated them from their communities, kept them from living full lives, and generally made life difficult. With a touch of his hand, or just a few words, Jesus used his power to improve the situations of many people. 

If we believe in the power of prayer to bring healing and wholeness to the people for whom we pray, then can that power not also extend to the world and its people? Perhaps the simple words of this hymn, imploring Jesus to heal and restore us, may be the prayer we need to utter each day. 

-- Robbie Fall, retired elder 
Hutchinson 

Prayer for Reflection

Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 4-9
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23