The Bible frequently mentions plagues. Not only the famous Makot Mitzrayim, the ten Plagues of Egypt found in the story of the book of Exodus, but the seven bowls of God’s wrath found in the book of Revelation. The former (that is, the Plagues of Egypt) are described in biblical narrative as ten successive disasters inflicted on Egypt by the God of Israel, to force the Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to leave the land where they were bound to slavery. The latter (the Seven Bowls), according to the Joanine text, are given to seven angels, one bowl to each one, each filled with the wrath of God. The seven bowls are then poured out on the wicked and the followers of the Antichrist, after the sounding of the seven trumpets.
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In both cases, plagues serve as “signs and marvels” given by God which help biblical characters realize man corrupted the world that God made perfect. Oftentimes, prayer is the first response to both this realization and to the plague itself.
Here are a few short prayers found in the Bible that can be prayed during plagues.
Take your plague away from me; I am ravaged by the touch of your hand. (Psalm 39:11)
O Lord, my God, do not afflict your people with this plague! (1 Chronicles 21:17)
He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare, from the destroying plague. (Psalm 91:3)
Have pity on me, Lord, for I am weak; heal me, Lord, for my bones are shuddering. (Psalm 6:3)
Lord, take note of me; heal me, although I have sinned against you. (Psalm 41:5)
Heal me, Lord, that I may be healed; save me, that I may be saved, for you are my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14)
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. (Matthew 8:8)
Make sure to visit the slideshow below to discover six saints whose intercession is often invoked to heal bodily ailments.
And today we celebrate...