In short: Buddhists don't usually pray to a god for healing; they chant discourses of the Buddha for comfort and steadiness. The three most used for the sick are the Bojjhaṅga discourse (SN 46.14), where the Buddha's disciple "recovered from that illness"; the Girimānanda Sutta (AN 10.60); and loving-kindness. They go alongside medical care, never instead of it.
1. The awakening factors (Bojjhaṅga)
When Venerable Mahākassapa was gravely ill, the Buddha visited him and recited the seven awakening factors: mindfulness, investigation, energy, rapture, tranquility, immersion and equanimity. The discourse ends: "that's how he recovered from that illness."
SN 46.14 · Full text: Bojjhaṅga Paritta · The factors explained: the seven factors of awakening.
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2. The Girimānanda Sutta
When the monk Girimānanda was gravely ill, the Buddha taught Ānanda ten perceptions to recite to him, ending with mindfulness of breathing. The text says that after hearing them "his illness died down on the spot." It is still chanted for the sick today.
AN 10.60 · Full text: Girimānanda Sutta.
3. Loving-kindness
The Discourse on Love (Karaṇīya Mettā Sutta) is chanted at almost every Theravāda gathering, including for the sick: "May they be happy and safe! May all beings be happy!"
Snp 1.8 · Full text: Karaṇīya Mettā Sutta.
A simple wish to say
If you don't know the chants, these words are enough. Say them quietly, or with the person if they'd like:
May you be free from pain.
May you be at ease.
May you be well and peaceful.
May you be held in care.
ANEW's wording, in the spirit of loving-kindness.
For the one who is sick
The Buddha gave an old, often-ill man a training that anyone can use:
"Though my body is ailing, my mind will be healthy."
SN 22.1 · More: sick body, healthy mind.
These chants offer comfort and steadiness. They are not medical treatment. Please follow the advice of doctors and health professionals.
Try it
Send a kind verse to someone who is unwell: open Your teaching, choose For someone and pick "for rest" or "for strength".
Questions people ask
Is there a Buddhist prayer for healing?
Theravāda Buddhists chant protection discourses (paritta) for the sick, especially the Bojjhaṅga Paritta, based on SN 46.14, where Mahākassapa 'recovered from that illness' after hearing the seven awakening factors, and the Girimānanda Sutta (AN 10.60). They are a source of comfort alongside medical care, never instead of it.
What can I say for a sick friend?
A simple loving-kindness wish works in any tradition: 'May you be free from pain. May you be at ease. May you be well and peaceful.'