Name of God: Jehovah Rapha
THE LORD WHO HEALS
Exodus 15:26 - saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”
Devotional
This verse alone is amazing, but it lights up even more when you read the context around it! The Israelites are thirsty—they haven't had water in three days and in their crying out to God, He directs Moses to throw some wood into what was once bitter, undrinkable water. Then it says the water became sweet to drink. We know that if you're out in the elements you can go around three days without water, so they were literally at the end of themselves. I think of how many times in my life I've felt that same desperation, at the absolute end of myself, and I find myself grumbling to God. But then in that moment of complete dependence on Him, He shows up and supplies exactly what I need. And here's what gets me God doesn't just stop at meeting the need. After the water at Marah, He leads His people to Elim where there are twelve springs and seventy palm trees, a mini paradise if you will! I find the same to be so true in my life. God doesn't just get me through the crisis; He leads me to places of abundance I never saw coming.
But I do think it's important to point out that the verse doesn't just say God will heal you. It says "if you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, and pay attention to his commands." God never changes—He is always Jehovah Rapha, the LORD who heals. But we have to draw near to Him and listen to how He's speaking to us and follow where He's directing us. Sometimes that looks like throwing wood into bitter water when it doesn't make sense. Sometimes it means crying out in desperation instead of just complaining. The healing is always available because that's who God is, but are we positioning ourselves to receive it? Are we listening carefully? Are we willing to obey even when His instructions seem strange? That's where we experience Him as our Healer.
Devotional Prayer Questions
1. What's your "bitter water" right now in that situation where you feel at the end of yourself? How is God inviting you to cry out to Him instead of just grumbling?
2. What is one area where you sense God asking you to listen more attentively or follow more obediently?
The Lord's Prayer
“Father”
Father, thank you for giving us exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ask for. Just as you lead the Israelites to Elim, I trust that you can do more through me than I could do on my own.
“Hallowed be Your Name”
Jehovah Rapha, we seek to draw near to you so we can hear your voice. Help us to be attentive to what you say.
“Your Kingdom come / Your will be done”
We pray for your healing over the lost, hurting, and sick. Please heal our ailing friends and family. Even when it’s difficult to understand why there is pain and suffering, we ask for Your Kingdom to come and for your will to be done.
“Give us this day our daily bread”
Jehovah Rapha, you are our Healer and Provider. Give us understanding for the things we cannot change, and give us discernment for the things we should change.
“Forgive us our sins…”
Forgive us, Jehovah Rapha, when we want to do things our way instead of resting in your peace and presence.
“Lead us not into temptation”
Lord, allow us to be still so we can hear your voice, and not the voice of the Enemy.
Prayer Requests
After praying through the Lord's Prayer, please pray openly for those around you, our Church, those that are lost and then if you are joining us in person, please pray over a few prayer requests on the prayer cards located on the front of the stage and return them in the basket at the exit.
With Your Family
Prayer is so important for us to develop especially with our family. Throughout the 21 Days of Prayer we want to provide simple prayer prompts that you and your children can pray through that can break down the name of God into an easily understood manner and how we can pray through that. In addition to the prayer below, prompt your children to pray for family, friends, teachers, others in their life and remember to always lead the prayer with gratitude.
Thank God that He is Jehovah Rapha, which means The LORD Who Heals.
God has the power to heal our bodies when we're sick and our hearts when we're sad or hurting.
Because God is our healer, we can bring Him our worries about people who aren't feeling well.
Pray today for someone you know who is sick, and ask God to heal them and bring comfort to them.
Communion
If you are joining us in person, please pick up the communion elements provided and take it to close out your prayer time.
Scripture:
Read the following passage before participating in communion:
Mark 14:22-25: And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Prayer:
Take a moment and ask God to examine your heart and reveal any sin that is hindering your relationship with Him. Confess that sin to the Lord. Then, as you read the passage, take a moment to praise and thank God for His body and His blood, and eat the bread and drink the cup.
