A few years back, my mother fought and overcame cancer. A core memory I have from that time is how the Book of Psalms helped me pray until God finally restored her.
The whole experience was so impactful that I started a faith-based support group for cancer patient families. Last week, I brought up Psalms and how amazing it is for all those affected by cancer.
Using my theology background and extensive research on the topic, I answered all their questions and even went further to write this article for more insight into the best Psalms to read for cancer patients.
5 Psalms to Read for Cancer Patients
Psalm 30:2
“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
This psalm explains how the writer was healed upon calling for the Lord’s help. Likewise, it can be read for cancer patients who seek God’s healing touch and divine covering to aid them in battling the disease and becoming healthy again.
Psalm 107:20
“He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”
The writer says the Lord sent a mere command and drove the illness out of his people. This psalm can be used to call on God’s unfathomable power to heal cancerous patients, as nothing is beyond Him.
Psalm 18:39
“You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me.”
As stated in this verse, God granted strength to his faithful against battle. Cancer patients need profound strength to fight their illness, which can figuratively be deemed a battle. Reading this psalm will invoke the Lord’s strength in the sick.
Psalm 50:15
“and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
In this verse, God speaks directly to the reader and says they should call on Him when in trouble, and He promises to deliver them and restore their glory.
You can use this psalm to ask for faith in the Lord and confidence that He will remove calamities, including the sickness of cancer, from His children.
Psalm 9:9-10
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
The psalmist says that the Lord is the stronghold for the oppressed and will not forsake those who trust in Him. You can use this scripture to help strengthen the faith of cancer patients during this challenging time, which can ultimately test their beliefs.
How To Use Psalms To Comfort A Cancer Patient
Theologians believe these are a few ways to comfort a cancer patient using Psalms:
- Sharing the Word with them – Sharing the verses with them is thought by scholars to be a great avenue for the sick to grow in God’s knowledge and strength.
- Meditating over the Psalms with them – They also encourage believers to engage in fellowship with cancer patients by meditating over the Psalms to prepare their hearts and minds for prayer.
- Praying using the Psalms – They suggest the Book of Psalms captures the wide spectrum of human emotion and feelings, so it can be used to seek God for different prayer points, such as illness, specifically cancer.
Can You Pray These Psalms for Other Patients as Well?
Many theologians believe that all Christians are called to be intercessors, and we should pray on behalf of others, even those who have lost faith in the Lord, which is common among cancer patients.
Using these Psalms to pray for them will give further guidance and assistance. Medical experts also believe praying on behalf of cancer patients has positive effects on them, leading to longer life expectancy in some.
It is deemed a complementary treatment.
Can You Use These Psalms to Give Hope to Cancer Patients?
According to Biblical scholars, yes, they can give hope to cancer patients. They explain that these Psalms give assurance and hope to all the sick so long as they follow the Lord (Psalm 146:5).
Even in difficult times, such as during cancer treatment when the future seems bleak and many have lost hope, reading, meditating and praying with these Psalms can restore faith.
As a theologian, I have always been curious to learn more about the Christian Faith. That is why I pursued a Certificate in Christian Studies, Certificate in Christian Foundations and a Masters in Theology. I also have an immersive experience in editing for numerous websites. I have worked as an editor for over a decade and am currently the editor-in-chief at Christian Faith Guide. I enjoy working as an editor and feel privileged to share my expertise and help spread God’s word. You can read more about me on the about us page.