It isn't unusual to struggle with knowing how to pray for a suffering friend, particularly if your friend's suffering is severe or long lasting. If you find yourself not knowing what to pray, ask your friend for specific requests. If that isn't possible or if you need more suggestions, consider the following list of the most frequent prayer requests that The Outreach of Hope staff receives from cancer patients and their families. Accompanying each request is a related passage from the Bible to remind us how deeply God cares about the needs we bring to Him.

Release from physical affliction either through medical or divine intervention
That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick . . . "the whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases" (Mark 1:32-34).

Strength to endure the journey
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. . . . those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:29,31).

For family members to be sustained by God's grace, love, and peace
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds" (Philippians 4:6,7).

Wisdom for direction and decisions
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

Patience to live one day at a time
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).

Provision for the physical needs of life
"I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. . . . Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:25, 26).

Protection from calamity and misfortune
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble" (Psalm 32:7).

Support from others who will help bear the burden
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10).

For God's presence
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better" (Ephesians 1:17).

For God's glory to be the outcome of their trial and suffering
"Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me" (Psalm 66:16).