Some Christians today believe that physical healing was a temporary grace for the early Church; a divine sign reserved for the first apostles in a time of special need. But that view is not only mistaken; it risks becoming an excuse. An excuse for not stepping out in faith, for not praying boldly, and for not allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us as He did through the early Church. The question we must ask is not: “Why doesn’t God heal people anymore?” but rather: “Have we stopped asking Him to?”

Healing Was Never Meant to End

Physical healing was not a side feature of Jesus’ ministry; it was central to it. He healed the blind, the lame, the leper, the deaf. And He sent His apostles out to do the same. In Mark 16:17–18, Jesus says, “These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms that “[healing] is a sign that the Kingdom of God is present among us” (CCC 1505). The early Christians understood this and acted on it. Healing wasn’t just a miracle; it was evangelisation. It was how the love of God broke into hearts, homes and whole communities. So why would that stop now?

The Need Is Greater Than Ever

The world is hurting. In many places, the Church is shrinking. Faith is becoming intellectualised, abstract and private. But healing; real, physical healing, is something tangible. It’s not a clever argument or a moving sermon; it’s the power of God made visible.

In many parts of the global Church, especially in the Global South, believers pray for healing regularly and they see miracles. Not because their theology is warped or simplistic but because they trust that God still moves. And people are coming to faith in droves because of it.

Healing Is a Work of Love

Some people hesitate to pray for healing because it’s been abused in prosperity gospel circles; as if asking for healing is like asking for a luxury car. But that’s not what this is about. Many who suffer from physical ailments are unable to work, provide for their families or live with dignity. When God heals them, it’s not about comfort; it’s about restoring their ability to live, love and serve. It is a profoundly human, profoundly spiritual act of mercy. In the Gospels, Jesus was moved by compassion. So too today: healing is a tangible expression of God’s love.

The Challenge to Us

When was the last time you laid your hands on someone and prayed boldly for their healing?

If God’s love hasn’t changed, if His power hasn’t faded, then perhaps what needs reviving is our courage; our expectant faith. We are called to be Christ’s hands and feet, and that means being willing to step into situations of suffering, to pray in faith, and to leave the outcome in God’s hands.

Five Tangible Ways to Bring Healing Prayer into Your Life

1. Set Up a Healing Prayer Station at Church

Create a quiet, welcoming space where trained prayer ministers can pray with those seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing — either during or after services.

2. Include Prayers for Healing at Mass

Encourage your priest or parish team to occasionally incorporate special prayers for healing during the Prayers of the Faithful or after Communion. God often moves when the Church prays together in unity.

3. Go Out Into Your Town with a Chair and a Sign

Try a simple and bold public witness: set out a chair and a sign that says “Are you ill or injured? Let us pray for you.” You’d be surprised how many people are longing for someone to care enough to ask.

4. Ask God for Daily Opportunities — and Seize Them

Begin your day with a prayer like: “Lord, if there’s someone You want to touch today, show me — and give me the courage to act.” Then stay attentive. These moments often arise in ordinary conversations.

5. Make Healing Prayer Part of Your Family or Small Group Life

Whether it’s a family member with chronic pain or a friend with a recent injury, make it normal to pause and say: “Can we pray for healing now?” Invite the Holy Spirit in, even in simple, spontaneous prayer.