A Prayer for a Child Facing Injury or Illness - Your Daily Prayer - January 22
January 22, 2026
A Prayer for a Child Facing Injury or Illness
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10
Listen or Read Below:
This past summer, following an incidental finding on an MRI, my primary care physician referred me to a specialist for a follow-up. I will never forget when the specialist came into my room; he was concerned I didn't have anybody with me, as he had difficult news to share. He proceeded to tell me there were suspicious lesions within my body, and he wanted to do further testing. I would have to undergo an extensive procedure where he would take biopsies to ensure cancer was not present.
As I continue to work through this health battle, I experience anxiety and fear over my upcoming procedures. My thoughts have consisted of “What if they do find cancer? What if I do have to undergo extensive treatment or surgery?” All these questions and worries swim around in my head until I have trouble focusing on my daily tasks. When I begin to reflect upon the fact that there are also children who struggle with various injuries, illnesses, and diagnoses, I have difficulty coping. I cannot even imagine the fear that rises in their hearts as well as in their parents' hearts. I'm an adult, and it is hard enough for me to cope with this pain and fear, much less a child.
Knowing that so many children in the world also experience this is heartbreaking. My heart goes out to these children and their families. If there is one this we can and should be doing for these children and their loved ones, it is to lift them up in prayer.
James 5:14 reads, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” Even if we do not know any sick or injured children personally, we can still go to the Lord on their behalf. As the body of believers, we can petition and pray for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Bible tells us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). The words in this passage were spoken to the prophet Isaiah, but they still apply to us today. Our Lord is the true God; He will strengthen you, help you, and uphold you with His righteous right hand.
God understands when we are afraid or facing a difficult situation. He never leaves us to face these times alone. Similar to how God remained with Isaiah throughout his life, He will remain with you. Take heart in knowing that He is watching over you and surrounding you with His protection.
When children are facing injuries and illnesses, it is an extremely challenging thing to go through, but they shouldn’t have to walk it alone. Pray for God to go before them and give them the comfort they need. God is good, and He can do more than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Let’s Pray:
Dear God, there are many children who are facing injuries, illnesses, and diagnoses at an incredibly young age. My heart breaks for them, and it brings me so much sadness. Please help every child who is going through various treatments and surround them with the peace that only You can provide.
I also ask that You help their families, as this is not an easy road for them to travel. Watching your child sustain an injury or suffer from an illness must be one of the hardest things in the world. Please help these children to fully recover and to live full lives in service to You. Their lives are only now beginning; protect them from sustaining more injuries or illnesses. I trust that You can do all these things and even more, God. Give them life, comfort, grace, and hope.
In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/gorodenkoff
Related Resource: Things Jesus Never Said: 7 Common Misconceptions Christians Still Believe
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