Prayer is Powerful when you are living with Lupus

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any body part. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system—the body system that usually fights infections—attacks healthy tissue instead.

Lupus most commonly affects your: 

• Skin
• Joints
• Internal organs, like your kidneys and heart

Because lupus affects many body parts, it can cause many different symptoms.

Who is at risk for lupus?

Lupus can affect anyone, but it is important to note that women are most likely to be affected by it. However, men and children can also be affected. This understanding can help women feel less isolated in their struggle with lupus.

Those with the highest risk for developing lupus are:

• Women aged 15 – 44 years
• People from racial and ethnic minority groups
• People with a family history of lupus or other autoimmune diseases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lupus occurs more often in women from racial and ethnic minority groups than in non-Hispanic White women. Black or African American and Hispanic women are usually diagnosed with lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms and a greater risk of developing other diseases and conditions than non-Hispanic White women. This can lead to lupus progressing further or faster and a greater risk of death. Social determinants of health (SDOH), along with hormonal and genetic factors, can lead to more severe disease and higher risk of death in racial and ethnic minority groups. Public health programs to reduce lupus among racial and ethnic minority groups should focus on the many factors that contribute to these disparities.

The Power of Prayer

Living with lupus often brings days filled with uncertainty, pain, and exhaustion. While the physical battle can be intense, prayer provides a source of spiritual strength and comfort. It is not just a request for healing but a way to connect deeply with God, find peace in His presence, and receive His grace for daily endurance. The Bible encourages us to pray in all circumstances, especially during sickness and suffering.

James 5:14-15 offers clear instruction about the role of prayer during illness: "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." This passage teaches us that prayer is not only for physical healing but also for spiritual restoration. It emphasizes that when we pray in faith, God listens and answers according to His will.

Though lupus may not always lead to immediate physical healing, prayer allows us to experience God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We can find rest in God’s promises, knowing that He is with us every step of the way, providing comfort, strength, and hope. Prayer is a powerful reminder that we are never alone in our struggles. God’s presence is ever near, and His power is perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

A Prayer for Strength and Healing 

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Lord, we lift up all women battling lupus and ask for Your divine comfort and healing to surround them.

Lord, Your Word says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). We pray that You would give rest to the weary, comfort to the hurting, and peace to those burdened by the weight of this illness.

In their moments of weakness, may they feel the truth of Your promise, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Let Your grace cover them, and let Your strength carry them through each day.

We know, Father, that You are the Great Physician. As Your Word says, "The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up" (James 5:15). We pray for healing, Lord, whether through physical restoration or through the peace that only You can give. Lift them up, Lord, and renew their spirits.*

Your mercies are new every morning, and great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23). We ask that You pour out Your mercy upon those with lupus, granting them the endurance they need to face each day with hope and strength.

Father, we stand on the promise that You are near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and we trust in Your loving care. We pray that each woman affected by lupus would feel Your presence close to her, comforting her in her pain and giving her peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Lord, we trust in You, knowing that You can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Amen.

This prayer draws directly from the KJV Bible and is intended to comfort and encourage women with lupus, reminding them of God’s promises and His power to heal and sustain.