O Christ, the Healer
By Fred Pratt Green (1969)
Lyrics
To pray for health, to plead for friends.
How can we fail to be restored,
When reached by love that never ends?
Our bodies clamour to be freed;
Yet in our hearts we would confess
That wholeness is our deepest need.
How weak our knowledge of ourselves!
Release in us those healing truths
Unconscious pride resists or shelves.
We recognize the world's disease;
Our common life declares our ills:
Is there no cure, O Christ, for these?
In your community may find
The wholeness that, enriching us,
Shall reach the whole of humankind.
Bible Reference
Matthew 9:35; Mark 2:17; Luke 4:18; James 5:14–15
Lectionary & readings
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Hymn scripture: Matthew 9:35; Mark 2:17; Luke 4:18; James 5:14–15
About This Hymn
“O Christ, the Healer” is a hymn written by Fred Pratt Green, a British Methodist minister and hymn writer known for addressing contemporary themes in Christian worship. The hymn focuses on the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and the continuing need for spiritual, emotional, and physical restoration in human life.
The hymn reflects the ministry of Jesus described in Matthew 9:35, where Christ traveled through towns and villages teaching, preaching the gospel, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. By addressing Christ as the healer, the hymn recognizes His compassion and power to restore those who suffer.
Another important theme is Christ’s concern for those who are spiritually broken. In Mark 2:17, Jesus declares that He came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. The hymn acknowledges that humanity needs healing not only of the body but also of the heart and soul, pointing to the deeper spiritual restoration found in Christ.
The message of the hymn also echoes Luke 4:18, where Jesus announces His mission to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for captives, recovery of sight for the blind, and release for the oppressed. These words highlight the broad scope of Christ’s healing work, which includes both physical and spiritual deliverance.
Additionally, the hymn resonates with the teaching of James 5:14–15, which encourages believers to pray for the sick and trust in God’s healing power. This reflects the continuing role of prayer and faith within the Christian community when facing illness and suffering.
“O Christ, the Healer” calls believers to bring their wounds, struggles, and needs before Christ with humility and faith. Through its prayerful tone, the hymn reminds worshipers that Christ’s compassion remains present and that His healing grace continues to offer hope, restoration, and renewal to those who seek Him.
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- Heal Me, O My Savior, Heal - Godfrey Thring
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- How Deep the Father's Love for Us - Stuart Townend
- Precious Lord, Take My Hand - Thomas Andrew Dorsey
- Victory in Jesus - (I Heard an Old, Old Story) - E. M. Bartlett
- Pardon Implored For National Sins - Anonymous
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