And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, heal her, I pray!” (Numbers 12:13)

Miriam and Aaron were speaking against Moses because of the woman he had married. Their rebellion was not merely against his marriage but also against his divinely appointed leadership. In response, God judged Miriam by striking her with leprosy. It was an outward manifestation of his displeasure and of the ugliness of her self-righteousness. Leprosy was a severe affliction, and it symbolized uncleanness and separation from the covenant community. It was not a gift or reward, but a curse.

Instead of harboring resentment or rejoicing in her punishment, Moses displayed compassion and humility. He made intercession for her. This is the heart of those who represent a ministry of healing. Although faithless religious people oppose us for preaching about miracles of healing and expecting miracles of healing, when they are struck with sickness, we will pray for them.

So Moses said, “O God, heal her, I pray!” There was no elaborate argument. There was no need to make a case. He simply asked God for what he wanted. The effectiveness of prayer is not in its length or eloquence but in the sincerity and faith with which it is offered. We count on the goodness and faithfulness of God when we pray. Moses knew that only God could heal Miriam, and he relied on God’s power to do so.

Petitionary prayer is a direct, earnest request made to God. It is a form of supplication that reflects our dependence on God, our faith in him, and our recognition of his power over all things. It is not an act of manipulation. It is an act of faith seeking the intervention of an almighty God who delights to show his strength and compassion. It is an expression of our confidence and a declaration of his power.

Another example comes from Abraham. Abimelech had taken Sarah, Abraham’s wife, not knowing that she was married. When God revealed the truth to Abimelech in a dream, he also struck his household with barrenness as a sign of divine displeasure. Obviously, this was not a gift to Abimelech. It was not even a spiritual lesson, but a weapon used against him to defend Abraham. Then Abimelech returned Sarah, and Abraham prayed for him. And the Bible says, “God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves, so that they could have children.”

Abraham’s prayer for Abimelech and his household highlights the power of intercession. Just as Moses prayed for Miriam, someone who had wronged him, so that she could be healed, Abraham also prayed for Abimelech, someone who had wronged him, so that he could be healed. Again, this is the true heart of those who believe in miracles of healing and expect them to happen. It is a pure reflection of God’s heart of forgiveness and compassion. Prayer for physical healing is one of the most spiritual activities anyone can perform. But those who undermine the ministry of healing stand for unbelief, jealousy, and resentment. They are some of the most despicable people in the history of humanity. They are the worst of the worst, the scum of the earth.

Another example of petitionary prayer for healing is found in the story of Hezekiah. He had become mortally ill, and the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from God: “Set your affairs in order, because you are going to die. You will not recover from this.” God had spoken, so what could Hezekiah do but to accept it as the will of God? But Hezekiah did not want to die. He turned his face to the wall and prayed. He said, “Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Perhaps he did not show much confidence, but at least he said something about it to God. He did not willingly accept the prophet’s message of death.

God responded to Hezekiah immediately. He commanded Isaiah to turn around and say, “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life.” God hears our cries and honors our sincerity. He is not indifferent to the suffering of his people. He is not opposed to their desire for healing and longevity. He is a compassionate Father who brings healing and restoration. God will always honor faith, but because he is sovereign, he often answers even those who waver. As someone said, “I believe, help my unbelief.” Never accept sickness. Always pray for healing.

Then Jesus brought us an even greater certainty for miracles of healing. He has authorized all his disciples to heal the sick, so that very often we do not ask for healing anymore. We operate under the authority of the Son of God, and in his name we command sicknesses to leave the people and command their bodies to recover. On top of that, Jesus has poured out his Spirit upon his people, so that those who have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit enter into a greater dimension of miraculous healing power. Sometimes miracles of healing happen as we preach, even before we pray for the people. Sometimes all we need to do is show up, and miracles of healing begin to happen.

However, there is much freedom in the expression of faith, and petitionary prayer for healing remains relevant and effective. As James said, “The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” Jesus also made promises concerning petitionary prayer stronger than anything said previous to him: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Petitionary prayer for healing is still legitimate because it is an expression of faith and dependence on God. It is an acknowledgment that God is the one who performs miracles. While the authority to heal has been given to believers, petitioning God for healing remains a demonstration of trust in his ability and goodness. Christians are called to operate in the power of the Holy Spirit, and this power can be exercised through prayer. As long as it is not used as an excuse for unbelief or to deny our authority in Christ, petitionary prayer for healing can complement other modes of operation in the ministry of healing as well as in the personal lives of believers.