There was a study made on a group of people who were sick. They were divided into two groups: one had no one praying for them and the other had family and friends praying for them. At the end of the study, they found out that there were more healings in the group that was being prayed for. 

What does prayer have to do with healing? We must remember that we are body and soul. If the body is sick, the soul is affected and if the soul is in darkness, the body is affected too. That is why the Gospel reminds us of three things:

1. The Power of Forgiveness. Many times before Jesus would heal, he would say, your sins are forgiven. Why forgive? It was discovered by science that many of our sicknesses come from negative emotions like anger, resentment, unforgiveness, fear, etc. Hence we forgive even if the other party is not asking for forgiveness. We forgive so that we may be liberated from these negative emotions to move on and let go. 
2. The Power of Faith. Faith is realizing that God is in control and he knows what is best. Faith is not changing the mysterious but perfect will of God. It is now his will. As Jesus would always say, “Your will, Father, and not my will. 
3. The Power of Intercessory Prayers. In the Gospel, it was said, “When Jesus saw their faith.” Hence, let us be reminded that there is strength in numbers, there is strength in good works, and there is faith in trusting God. 

We continue to pray for our loved ones. When we pray for our loved ones who are sick in the Mass, it is the whole Church around the world who is praying for our loved ones.