What do we mean when we ask God to heal us? Can we still experience healing today?

The Greek words for healing used in the Bible mean much more than to cure sickness or ailments and alleviate pain. For instance, iaomi is "to cure and heal" but also "to make whole". This word is used by the centurion in Matthew 8:8 and several other times in the New Testament. This same type of healing and the centurion's words to Jesus are referred to by Catholics in the refrain that they recite before taking Communion: "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed."

In both cases there is a recognition that Jesus comes to do more than physically heal us, and that through accepting Him and our salvation, we are completed.

Sometimes our emotional and spiritual suffering can be down to an extreme feeling of incompleteness, and instead of seeking a solutions that will permanently fill the gap, we turn to temporary fixes – food, alcohol, unhealthy relationships. These quick fixes are the equivalent to a plaster on a serious wound, whereas what God offers us is permanent and surpasses all.

God's healing isn't a historical event, a miracle that only happened to people long ago. He still heals. If we open up our hearts to Him, we can experience it today. We've all heard modern stories of miraculous physical healing, but whether or not we'll experience something similar is up to God. However, the kind of healing that we can all know is the spiritual wholeness that's only possible through a relationship with Christ.

If you're in need of healing, physically, emotionally or spiritually, don't be afraid to ask God for help. Here are some Bible verses to inspire your prayers as you ask God to heal your suffering and restore you.

James 5:14-16 - Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Psalm 107:19-21 - Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Isaiah 53:4-5 - Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Jeremiah 17:14 - Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

Psalm 103:2-4 - Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.