Prayer for the sick tehillim: complete, essential guide (7 key psalms)
Prayer for the sick tehillim: a practical guide to Psalms for healing
When someone we love is unwell, many of us look for words that bring comfort, strength and hope. In Jewish tradition, prayer for the sick tehillim – reciting selected Psalms (Tehillim) and the Mi Shebeirach blessing – is a time‑honoured way to pray for healing and to stand with the person who is ill. Whether you are new to Jewish prayer or simply want a clear, friendly guide, this article explains what the practice is, how to do it, and how to make it meaningful in everyday life.
At its heart, prayer for the sick tehillim blends ancient poetry with heartfelt intention. The Psalms give voice to fear and courage alike, while the Mi Shebeirach asks for a complete recovery, refuah shleimah – healing of body and healing of spirit. You can say these prayers on your own, with family, or as part of a communal Tehillim chain, in English, Hebrew or any language you understand.
What is prayer for the sick tehillim?
Prayer for the sick tehillim refers to the Jewish custom of reciting dedicated Psalms (Tehillim) and the Mi Shebeirach blessing on behalf of someone who is ill. Tehillim are the biblical Psalms – songs and prayers that have been used across centuries to express trust, lament, gratitude and hope. In times of illness, particular Psalms are traditionally chosen for their themes of protection, rescue and solace.
The Mi Shebeirach (literally “May the One who blessed…”) is a specific prayer for those who are sick. It mentions the name of the person in need and asks for their recovery. In many communities, prayer for the sick tehillim is offered during synagogue services, at home, at a hospital bedside, or as part of organised groups who share the recitation of Psalms for those on a refuah list.
While rooted in Jewish practice, many people from different backgrounds find value in this approach. The language of the Psalms is universal, and the act of pausing to focus your heart on another person’s wellbeing can be deeply supportive.
Why prayer for the sick tehillim matters
Illness often brings uncertainty. Prayer for the sick tehillim helps channel concern into purposeful action. For the person praying, it offers structure – a reliable way to show up day after day. For the person who is unwell, it can be profoundly reassuring to know that friends and community are calling their name in prayer.
There is also a communal dimension to this practice. Many synagogues and groups keep lists of names for whom Tehillim are being said, and people take on chapters to create continuous cycles of prayer. This shared effort strengthens bonds and can reduce the isolation that illness sometimes creates.
Core texts used in prayer for the sick tehillim
Most people choose from a set of Psalms that speak directly to healing and divine support. Popular choices include:
- Psalm 6 – a cry for mercy and healing.
- Psalm 20 – calling on divine help in a time of trouble.
- Psalm 30 – gratitude for recovery: “You have turned my mourning into dancing.”
- Psalm 41 – compassion for those who are ill.
- Psalm 121 – “I lift my eyes to the hills,” trust and protection.
- Psalm 130 – “Out of the depths,” hope from hardship.
- Psalm 142 – seeking refuge and strength.
Alongside these, the Mi Shebeirach for the sick is central to prayer for the sick tehillim. In English translation, a typical version includes lines such as: “May the One who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless and heal [Name], son/daughter of [Parent’s Name]. May the Holy One have compassion upon them, strengthen and heal them, soon, speedily, without delay; and let us say, Amen.”
Traditionally, the name used is the person’s Hebrew name together with their mother’s Hebrew name (for example, Yosef ben Miriam or Rachel bat Leah). If you do not know the Hebrew names, use the English names – intention and clarity matter most.
How to say prayer for the sick tehillim: a step‑by‑step guide
Here is a simple, respectful way to conduct prayer for the sick tehillim. You can adapt this to your circumstances and time available.
1) Set your intention (kavanah)
Begin by naming the person for whom you are praying and stating your purpose: to ask for healing of body and spirit. You might hold the person gently in mind, imagining them surrounded by care. If you like, say a short opening line such as, “For the healing of [Name], I dedicate these prayers.”
2) Choose your Psalms
Select one or more Psalms from the list above. If time is short, Psalm 121 or Psalm 130 are good starting points. If you can read Hebrew comfortably, that is wonderful; if not, read in English or a translation you understand. Prayer for the sick tehillim is about the sincerity of your words, not about speed or linguistic perfection.
3) Pronounce the person’s name
After the Psalms, say the person’s name clearly. If you know the Hebrew name and the mother’s Hebrew name, use them; otherwise, use the names you know. In many communities, people pause to say: “Please, God, send a refuah shleimah to [Name], [son/daughter] of [Parent’s Name].”
4) Recite the Mi Shebeirach for the sick
Read a version of the Mi Shebeirach. If you prefer a set text, synagogues and Jewish organisations publish versions in Hebrew and English. Feel free to include a line relevant to the person’s situation (for example, peace of mind before a medical procedure, or resilience during recovery). This is one of the most recognisable parts of prayer for the sick tehillim.
5) Conclude with a personal request
End with your own words. You might add: “May [Name] be granted refuah ha’nefesh (healing of the soul) and refuah ha’guf (healing of the body). May those caring for them be strengthened, and may we soon hear good news.”
Making prayer for the sick tehillim part of daily life
Consistency often matters more than length. Consider setting a small, regular time – mornings, evenings, or before meals – to say a Psalm or two and the Mi Shebeirach. Many people find it sustaining to weave prayer for the sick tehillim into their weekly rhythm, for example before Shabbat candles on Friday night.
If you are comfortable online, you can join or organise a Tehillim group. Assigning specific Psalms to different people ensures that the entire book of Psalms is covered regularly. Keep a simple shared list of names and updates, and remember to celebrate improvements and moments of relief along the way.
Equally important is sensitivity. Ask the family what kind of updates and public mentions are appropriate. Some prefer privacy; others want as many people as possible to participate in prayer for the sick tehillim. Follow their lead.
Respectful practice, language and inclusion
Prayer for the sick tehillim can be said by anyone who wishes to offer support. You do not need to be Jewish to read Psalms or to ask for healing. If you are from a different faith background, be open with the family about your intention and adapt any wording that feels appropriate for you, while honouring the essence of the practice.
Avoid making promises or presenting prayer as a substitute for medical care. Jewish tradition values both: we pursue treatment and we pray. Offer to coordinate meals, lifts to appointments, or childcare alongside prayer for the sick tehillim; practical help and gentle words often go hand in hand.
Common mistakes to avoid with prayer for the sick tehillim
- Forgetting to check name details. If possible, confirm the person’s and their mother’s names to include in the Mi Shebeirach. If you cannot, use what you know and proceed with sincerity.
- Rushing. It is better to say one Psalm with focus than many without attention. Prayer for the sick tehillim is about presence, not performance.
- Treating prayer like a transaction. Prayer opens the heart; it is not a guarantee or a bargain. Be gentle with yourself if outcomes are uncertain.
- Neglecting the carers. Include a line for the medical team and family members who are providing support.
- Overlooking updates. If symptoms change or the person improves, acknowledge this in your wording; gratitude is part of the journey.
Examples you can use right away
A short daily format
“For the healing of [Name], [son/daughter] of [Parent’s Name], I offer these words. I lift my eyes to the mountains – from where will my help come? My help is from the Eternal, Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121). May the One who blessed our ancestors bless and heal [Name]. Send them refuah shleimah – healing of body and spirit – soon and without delay. Strengthen those who care for them. May we hear good news. Amen.”
A bedside variation
“Source of Life, stand beside [Name] in this moment. Out of the depths I call to You (Psalm 130). Grant comfort, courage and calm. Guide the hands and minds of those giving treatment. May [Name], [son/daughter] of [Parent’s Name], know they are not alone. Please bring refuah shleimah, and surround them with love. Amen.”
A community gathering opening
“We gather to say prayer for the sick tehillim for members of our community who are in need of healing. We dedicate Psalms 20, 121 and 130 to their recovery, and we recite the Mi Shebeirach together, naming each person with care and hope.”
Organising a Tehillim chain for someone who is ill
A Tehillim chain spreads the recitation across many people and times, creating continuous prayer for the sick tehillim. To start:
- List the names of those for whom you are praying, with permission where needed.
- Divide the Book of Psalms into sections (for example, five parts or 30 daily portions).
- Assign chapters to participants according to availability. Share brief guidance on how to include names and a Mi Shebeirach.
- Set a schedule (daily or weekly) and a simple way to mark when sections are completed.
- Encourage updates and gratitude. If someone completes a section, let the group know and add a note of thanks or hope.
Keep the tone warm and flexible. The goal is to make prayer for the sick tehillim accessible to all ages and schedules.
History, tradition and helpful context
Tehillim have been a central part of Jewish devotion for millennia. Their themes move from despair to trust, from fear to praise, making them especially suited to moments of illness. The Mi Shebeirach for the sick developed within communal worship as a way to bring individual needs into the shared life of the synagogue.
Some also draw on related biblical themes. The idea of anointing – setting someone apart for blessing and invoking divine favour – appears across the Bible. If this interests you, you can read more about what anoint means in the Bible and how different traditions have understood its symbolism alongside modern practices of care and compassion.
At the same time, regular prayer fits a broader spiritual rhythm. Many people are inspired by the notion of ongoing devotion throughout the day; you might find it helpful to explore the meaning of pray without ceasing as a way to keep the person in mind gently and often.
Finding words that feel natural
If formal liturgy feels unfamiliar at first, pair it with your own language. Prayer for the sick tehillim sits comfortably alongside spontaneous wording. A good pattern is: Psalm(s) – name – Mi Shebeirach – personal sentence of hope. Over time, you may memorise a few lines that come easily.
Consider creating a small card or note on your phone with the names you want to include, plus the Psalm numbers you prefer. This makes it simpler to keep your practice steady even on busy days.
Recommended external resources
- Full text of Psalms (Tehillim) with translations on Sefaria – read and compare translations of the Psalms commonly used for healing.
- Background and text of the Mi Shebeirach on My Jewish Learning – clear explanations and versions you can use at home or in synagogue.
- Guide to praying for the sick on Chabad.org – practical tips and a form to submit a name for communal prayer.
- Overview of visiting the sick (bikkur cholim) from the United Synagogue – supportive guidance on pastoral care and sensitivity.
Related articles
Frequently asked questions about prayer for the sick tehillim
Which Psalms are most commonly used?
Popular choices for prayer for the sick tehillim include Psalms 6, 20, 30, 41, 121, 130 and 142. Choose one or two that resonate with you. If you plan a longer session or a group effort, you can divide more chapters among participants.
Does it have to be in Hebrew?
No. While Hebrew has a special place in Jewish prayer, the key is intention and understanding. You can use a reliable English translation or any language you know. Many people blend Hebrew phrases such as refuah shleimah with English to keep prayer for the sick tehillim both accessible and traditional.
How do I include the person’s name correctly?
If you know the Hebrew name and mother’s Hebrew name, use “[Hebrew Name] ben/bat [Mother’s Name]”. If you do not know them, simply say their regular name and the name of a parent you know. In prayer for the sick tehillim, clarity and heartfelt care matter more than formality.
Can non‑Jews participate?
Yes. Anyone may read Psalms and ask for healing. If you are supporting a Jewish friend or family member, letting them know that you are joining in prayer for the sick tehillim can be very comforting. Be respectful of any specific customs they follow.
How often should I recite these prayers?
There is no strict rule. Many people prefer daily recitation, even if brief. Others coordinate weekly groups. Consistency helps: a short, regular practice of prayer for the sick tehillim is more sustainable than occasional long sessions.
What if I am praying for several people?
List their names and include each one, either after each Psalm or together before the Mi Shebeirach. In group settings, read the Mi Shebeirach multiple times, naming each person, or collectively say “all those on our list”. The important thing is that each person is held in mind as part of prayer for the sick tehillim.
Conclusion on prayer for the sick tehillim
In challenging times, prayer for the sick tehillim offers a gentle, structured way to show love and solidarity. The Psalms give timeless language for fear, courage and hope, while the Mi Shebeirach names the person in need and asks plainly for refuah shleimah – healing in body and spirit. Whether you pray alone, with family, or as part of a wider community, your steady presence matters.
You do not need to be an expert to begin. Choose a Psalm or two, speak the person’s name, and close with the Mi Shebeirach and your own words. Keep it simple and regular. Over time, prayer for the sick tehillim can become a comforting rhythm – a way to care, to connect and to keep hope alive.
Remember to combine prayer with practical support and sensitivity to privacy. Share updates, give thanks for improvements, and invite others to join when appropriate. In this way, prayer for the sick tehillim becomes part of a compassionate circle around the person who is unwell and those who love them.
May your words bring comfort, your presence bring strength, and may we soon hear good news.
