Children

"Mommy, my tummy hurts." "My head hurts." "I don't feel well, Daddy."

Parents around the world are dealing with children who don't feel well. Doctors and medications are fine, but a parent wants to know they are doing their part, too, for the healing of their loved ones. Here are two things we recommend.

First, loving hands touching and rubbing are a wonderful way for parents to pass along love during difficult times. Obviously, we are not recommending improper touching or too much pressure. A gentle touch can do wonders! Lightly placing your hands on their head or shoulders, or letting the child sit on your lap, or if they are bigger, letting them lay across your lap is good. This could possibly be time-consuming, but there is no greater way to show love than to spend time with someone. Hugs and kisses are fun, too.

Second, you can talk. Your words to the child will, most likely, be soft and gentle. A pleasant, controlled voice will encourage the child and will help alleviate fear. If you don't panic it is likely they won't either. If you can't think of anything pleasant to say, humming or silence are also fine. Illness is not a good time for condemning or criticizing (actually, there are no good times for condemning or criticizing). Even if the illness or disability is their fault, don't use their healing time for verbal attacks.

Do, however, pray over the child. If you're not used to praying out loud, then keep your prayer simple. "Dear God, thank you for your healing power and love. Please show your grace and mercy to (name), by healing (him/her). In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen." Putting your hand on their head or on the part of the body needing healing and saying, 'Be healed, in Jesus' Name' is according to God's Word in the Bible.

One of my favorite verses to pray over someone for healing is Isaiah 53:5. In the Amplified Version it says, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him, we are healed and made whole." For more impact, personalize the verse as you say it. Put your name or your loved one's name in the verse. ". . . with the stripes [that wounded] Him, I am healed and made whole" or ". . .with the stripes [that wounded] Him, Diane is healed and made whole."

God's blessings and peace to you and your family.

Diane Morstad

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