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Praying for Sick Loved Ones - 2 Samuel 12:15-23
Praying for Sick Loved Ones - 2 Samuel 12:15-23 [15] And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
[16] David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
[17] And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
[18] And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
[19] But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
[20] Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
[21] Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
[22] And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
[23] But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
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INTRODUCTION
One of the more difficult things any individual faces in this life involves watching loved ones suffer. Yet, this life is filled with suffering and death. David witnessed just such a tragedy when his child became ill and eventually died. While the child was alive, David implored the Lord for the child’s recovery. No doubt, he was asking God to heal the child and restore health. In addition to praying for the child, David fasted and wept for the life of his newborn. In the end, the Lord decided to take the child. David understood that he could not bring the child back but would one day go to where the child already was. As soon as the child passed, David refocused upon living. He ceased praying for the child and began to comfort his grieving wife.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
- (For children): The word beseech means to request earnestly. When Jesus was on earth, many besought Him to heal their sick loved ones (Matthew 8:5-7 [5] And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
[6] And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
[7] And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.
See All...; Luke 4:38-39 [38] And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. [39] And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
See All...; John 4:46-47 [46] So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. [47] When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
See All...). The Lord wants us to come to Him with such requests (Philippians 4:6-7
See All...). - (For everyone): Have you ever had a loved one suffer from a serious illness or injury? Did you merely sit around and worry about his or her condition, or did you earnestly pray?
- Why did David cease to pray for the child as soon his baby died? What did he do next? Why is it important that we follow the same type of pattern that David set forth?
PRAYER NEEDS
- Pray for any loved ones who are ill or seriously injured.
- Thank God for the privilege of prayer.
HYMN
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
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