Updated May, 2025
This service was submitted by a pastor who created the service for a specific situation in his congregation: a young mother who was dealing with cancer. He writes, “Her recent chemotherapy treatments were not working. We talked about having a special prayer service and how that was to be an expression of trust, not desperation. . . . The service was a powerful experience of God’s presence for everyone.”
During the time of prayer, a suggested outline was projected on a screen as well as printed on paper. Instrumental music was played softly at various times during the prayer as a reminder of God’s presence.
Pastor: It is good to come together with a common trust in our God in heaven. We are here to express our trust in God and to pray. We do not gather out of a spirit of desperation, as if to say, “Nothing has worked so far, so let’s pray to God for a miracle.” As if to say that God is a last resort.
No. We are participating in this service of healing because the journey of [name] has brought us here. God has been part of this journey all along, and it is the work of God that brings us to this point of expressing our trust in God. We are not here to desperately pray for a miracle. Rather we are here to pray because God hears and answers prayer. Praying for healing is part of that. Praying for daily strength, peace, and blessing is also part of that.
We gather in hope, which is, as we read in Hebrews 6:19, “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hope is a confident expectation anchored in God. We always have hope. Even when a medical treatment does not bring about the desired results, we still have hope. That’s because our hope is not in human abilities or promises. Our hope is in God. That is our testimony and trust.
Scripture Reading: Our Testimony and Trust
Psalm 73:23-28
Songs of Trust
“In You Is Gladness” Lindemann
"How Great Thou Art" Boberg; Hine
Opening Prayer of Praise
Pastor: Praise isn’t always easy, but it is important to start there. We need to know who it is that hears our prayers. We need to know who it is that answers our prayers. And so we praise this great God who is with us. Again, it isn’t always easy. We experience difficult times of doubt and pain and sickness. Jeremiah speaks of this troubled heart in Lamentations 3:17-26.
Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:17-26
Song: “He Leadeth Me” Gilmore
Individual Silent Prayers of Trust
Pastor: Let us spend a few moments in silent prayer, meditating on these words: “I surrender my heart to you. I trust you, Lord.”
Song of Trust: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” Scriven
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-5
Pastor: Our lives, as followers of Christ, are not guaranteed to be without suffering or sickness. Our confidence is that God is at work in all circumstances. We pray for God’s power to work in the face of the challenges we encounter.
A Time of Prayer
[Worship leader invites the people to pray individually or in small groups of three to five people.]
Pastor: This is an invitation to pray. Do not feel obligated to speak out loud in prayer. While we pray, there will be occasions where music is played. This is not to indicate that we are finished; instead the music is a reminder of God’s presence while we pray and an opportunity to let the songs direct our thoughts and prayers to God. You are invited to come forward and kneel at the front steps of the pulpit area if you wish to do so. You may want to use the outline projected on the screen to structure your prayers (see excerpt, below). Copies are also available at the front.
Sing: “You Are My All in All” Jernigan
A Reading: “Imagine” (see excerpt)
Pastor: Hallelujah! God is always there for us, waiting for us to talk to him and to rely on him. And that will give us peace. It’s important to tell God everything, no matter how trivial or small we think it might be. Remember that this amazing God whom we praise cares about all our needs.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:6-7, 10-13, 19-20
Song: "Great is the Faithfulness" Chisholm
Benediction
Pastor: We trust that God hears. We trust God’s answers. Go in peace. Walk daily with God and with each other, with the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Song: “In Christ Alone” Getty; Townend