Have you ever been talking to someone, and during conversation a need is mentioned? Perhaps there is a financial problem, a relationship crisis, or some other issue.

And in the moment, you realise that you have a window of opportunity to suggest prayer.

Or someone in your world becomes sick, or is injured. And an opportunity arises when you could offer to pray.

But you hesitate.

Perhaps you think,

• ‘I am not sure how to pray.’
• ‘What if they don’t want me to pray?’
• ‘What if I pray and nothing happens?’

As Christians, we should make it our aim to become comfortable with praying on the spot for people when they have a need.

We can also become familiar with sharing an encouraging word from God: even to someone who does not know Jesus.

Today I would like to share some simple, Biblical ways that you can pray for others—whether for healing, or other needs—in everyday life.

Before you begin, remember that the simpler the prayer and more natural the language you use, the better—especially when praying for someone who is not a Christian.

How To Pray For Healing And Other Needs

1. ASK the Father

“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16

Jesus said that when we pray, we can ask the Father in His Name.

We can ask for God to intervene supernaturally, whether it is a healing, provision, comfort, help, or something else that is needed from God. ‘

“Father’ I ask that you would… [meet this need] in Jesus’ Name”

Some people think that this simple kind of petition is inferior to other types of prayer, but it is not! Asking is the privilege of royal sons and daughters, and our Father waits for us to ask. (Matt 7:7-11)

It also demonstrates to those we are praying for, and any onlookers, that it is possible to have a personal relationship with God, and that He loves them and cares for their needs.

2. ADDRESS the Issue

‘[Jesus] gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.’ Luke 9:1b

When praying, we can also exercise our spiritual authority in Jesus’ Name and directly address the sickness or problem (especially if we discern that the issue is demonic in origin).

When you read the Gospels and Acts, you can see how Jesus and the Apostles used words of authority to heal the sick and set people free.

We exercise authority by faith, in the Name of Jesus. “It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” Acts 3:16

3. ASSESS for Improvement

‘Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”’ Mark 8:23b-24

Jesus frequently required those He healed to do something they could not do before. (Matt 9:6, Mark 5:41, John 5:8)

If you are praying for healing, and it is possible to check whether the condition has improved or pain relieved, enquire with  the person you are praying for. This exercises your faith, and creates a sense of anticipation.

We are expecting God to move in answer to our prayer. [1]

4. ALLOW for Related Concerns

‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ Galatians 6:2

If you have a longer time to pray, or if you are journeying with someone, you can express caring in your prayers by praying for other needs that relate to the issue you are praying for.

For example, someone with a medical condition may have medical appointments or surgery you can pray about. There may be emotional responses to care for, family members who are involved, or financial needs as a result of the problem.

Stepping Out in Prayer

If offering prayer for another’s needs is new to you, begin in an environment where you feel most comfortable and step out from there, e.g., in your immediate family, or with Christian friends.

The main thing is to begin—to have a go. Eventually you may discover a prayer style that most suits you.

Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to direct you as to the best way to pray at any given time.

Imagine what could happen if every Christian brought people face to face with God through prayer during times of need! This week, let’s express God’s love and power to someone in our world by offering a prayer.

Notes:

[1] In prayer, as with prophetic ministry, our aim is to create a safe environment for people to connect with God. When someone you pray for receives physical healing, instruct them to continue to take prescribed medication until he or she has received medical advice and had the healing confirmed. If you feel led to place a hand upon someone when you pray, check with them first if it’s OK.

Related Posts:

How to Share A Prophecy With Someone Who Is Not A Christian

7 Reasons Why You Can Pray for Healing

The Supernatural Lifestyle Begins Here

Do you have any questions or testimonies about giving or receiving prayer for healing and other needs? Share it with us in the comments section of this article. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Did you receive this from a friend? Read more from Enliven Blog or sign to receive our weekly prophetic teaching updates at http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog

Recently I had a memory flashback of a painful event in my life. For several long minutes, it was as though I was actually present in the time and place of the trauma—reliving every emotion in vivid technicolour.

Later, over a cup of coffee, I mused over this occurrence with a dear friend who is a Christian counsellor.

“Why,” I wanted to know, “would I have a flashback of an event that has been fully dealt with—one in which there has been complete forgiveness and restoration, and that has been used by God to bring such good in my life?”

I went on to share my response to the flashback, how I had prayed about the incident, re-affirming forgiveness and searched my heart for unfinished business. I could find none.

“Sometimes,” my friend said, “a traumatic event can cause soul damage. When a painful memory resurfaces, we need to take time with God—in the moment or aside later—to receive His healing into our hearts.”

As I pondered her words, I realised that my response to the flashback had been (typically) to take action. Working out what I could do to fix it, it had not occurred to me to simply receive what Jesus had already accomplished for me.

Receiving God’s Healing when Painful Memories Resurface

‘He restores my soul…’ (Ps 23:3)

If something has triggered the flashback of a traumatic memory, here are some thoughts to help you process it:

1. Take the Position of Trust

‘He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.’ (Is 61:1)

You can be assured that if God has allowed pain from the past to resurface in your life, it is because He desires to bring a deeper level of healing to you.

A flashback can also be our inner self’s means of letting us know that it is ready to face and deal with any buried pain.

2. Re-Establish Forgiveness

‘Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?(B) Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’ (Matt 18:21-22)

A good analogy is that forgiving again whenever you recall a painful event is like keeping a wound clean so that it can heal. This may mean simply re-affirming the forgiveness you have already given.

3. You Don’t Need to Handle it Alone

 ‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.’ (Gal 6:2)

Sometimes we can work through hurts privately in our personal relationship with God.

However there are times, especially relating to situations of trauma, when we can benefit from others’ help. This could be through a simple discussion, someone to pray with, or Christian counselling.

4. Receive God’s Healing

‘He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.’ (Ps 147:3)

There is something significant that can take place when we allow God to minister to us in moments of reliving the pain. We can receive God’s comfort right there in the very place of the trauma. We can experience His redeeming power. [1]

Take time with God to receive His healing. This may be either in the moment that you recall the pain, or in time aside later.

You may want to:

• Acknowledge and release the hurt to Him
• Consider the heart of the Father to you in the situation—His compassion, comfort, and unconditional love; His complete acceptance, along with His desire to heal you and bring good to your life
• Listen to anything He may want to tell you about the event. The Holy Spirit may lead you to further forgiveness, or repentance, or He may simply want to show you something about the situation from God’s perspective
• Thank God for His healing and receive it by faith
• Be still in His Presence.

You may not feel that anything significant has taken place, but you can be assured that God has brought healing to you.

5. Affirm God’s Word

‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.’ (Ps 119:105)

Once you have done the above, even if it is an issue that requires a long-term journey such as counselling, you do not need to dwell on negative emotions or thoughts.

Instead, allow God’s Word to feed your perspective. I find the Psalms a helpful starting place—the Psalmists acknowledge pain in its reality, but always lead you back to a position of faith in God.

The One Who Sees Me

Hagar was a slave who was abused and mistreated. Pregnant and alone, she fled into the wilderness. There, the angel of the Lord appeared to her, bringing comfort, instruction and prophecy.

Genesis 16:13 tells us,

‘She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Life’s experiences had sought to rob Hagar of her God-given identity. Abuse had sent her the message, ‘You are a chattel, a despised slave, a usurper.’ Now God spoke into her very identity and destiny: ‘I know you, I love you – and I have ordained you to be the mother of a nation.’

In the darkest place, Hagar received a revelation of God as One who saw her pain, and Who had a purpose for her life which would not be thwarted by the pain.

This experience with God gave Hagar the courage to face her fears and fulfil the future God had planned for her.

Like Hagar, we too can know God’s healing and redeeming power. We can know His presence, comfort and love for us in the midst of our pain. We can receive our identity from Him. And we can be assured of the Father’s intent to overturn what was meant for harm and bring us into His purpose for our lives.

Remember, you are God’s beloved son or daughter. He loves you unconditionally and beyond measure. He is sovereign, He is faithful, and He is Your Redeemer.

Notes:

[1] From the counselling perspective, Jean Battersby says,

‘God invites us to allow His comfort and validation to be experienced and sensed IN the relived traumatic incident. Psychologically this allows us the experience of comfort and safety, in a moment that originally was overtaken by fear and disempowerment. Recent neurological understandings explain the way the anxious or traumatised brain can change (neuroplasticity of the brain) when the mind, body and emotions consistently absorb and experience comfort and safety over-ruling the traumatic memory. For people who have experienced trauma, it seems to be healing in itself for the person to realise that God sees and knows the meaning and extent of the pain and that He offers deep compassion, empathy and healing.’ Jean Battersby, Relationship and Trauma Counsellor

Related Posts:

The Gift Of Prophetic Vision: See What Heaven Sees

Your Identity And Destiny: 3 Keys From The Life of Gideon

Breaking Free From An Orphan Mindset

No Longer An Orphan: How I Discovered The Father’s Love

Do you have any questions or insights about  God’s healing for painful memories? Leave a comment on the comments box. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Did you receive this from a friend? Read more from Enliven Blog or sign to receive our weekly prophetic teaching updates at http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog

Are you praying for a healing breakthrough in your life or ministry, or that of someone close to you?

The Bible is full of life-giving and faith-building truths about God’s purpose and power to heal. Today I share some scriptures and events recorded in the Old Testament that reveal Jesus as our Healer, as well as the healing work of the cross. (Luke 24:27)

8 Windows on Healing in the Old Testament

1. Wholeness—God’s Ultimate Purpose

In the creation of Adam and Eve, God reveals His ultimate purpose for humanity. This includes unbroken communion with Him and wholeness of body, soul and spirit. (1 Thess 5:23) [1]

2. Healing in the Exodus of Israel

The New Testament tells us that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Passover lamb. (John 1:29, 1 Cor 5:7)

We read in Exodus 11-12 of Israel’s first Passover meal. Central to Passover is the sacrifice of a lamb—one for each household. The flesh of the lamb is eaten, whilst the blood is sprinkled on the sides and top of the door frame of the house.

The sacrifice of the lamb and sprinkled blood protects God’s people from the angel of death—the 10^th plague sent upon Egypt.

At the same time, an astonishing miracle of healing occurs. Psalm 105:37 tells us that as the nation of Israel left Egypt, ‘from among their tribes, no one faltered.’ [2]

3. Healing and God’s Covenant Names

In Exodus 15, God reveals one of His covenant names to Israel: “I am Jehovah-Ropheka,” meaning ‘The Lord Who Heals You.’ (Ex 15:26)

The word Ropheka, or rapha, means ‘cure, heal, physician, repair, make whole.’ [3]

Other covenant names include

• Jehovah-Shalom, The Lord Our Peace (Judges 6:24)
• Jehovah Tsidkeenu, The Lord Our Righteousness (Jer 25:6) and
• Jehovah-Mekaddishkem, The Lord Our Sanctifier (Ex 31:13)

All of these will later find perfect fulfilment in Jesus and His work of redemption.

4. Healing Foretold in the Bronze Snake

There are many prophetic ‘types,’ or symbols, in the Old Testament that speak of Jesus and His redemptive work on the cross. One of these is the bronze serpent. (John 3:14)

In Numbers 21, we read of how the Israelites’ sin (speaking against God) results in a plague of poisonous snakes in the camp. The people repent of their sin, and ask Moses to intercede on their behalf.

‘The Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.’ So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.’ (Numbers 21:8,9)

God could easily kill the snakes or cause them to leave the camp; however this would effectively be revoking His judgment on the sin itself, which He cannot do.

Instead, He chooses this moment to demonstrate His mercy by providing a way of healing. By looking upon the bronze snake, Israelites are not only delivered from judgment and death—they are physically healed.

5. A Picture of Jesus’ Healing Ministry

Elijah and Elisha, as prophets of God, perform great signs that include physical healing and resurrection from death—their miracles foretell the ministry of Jesus.

6. Healing in the Psalms

In Psalm 103, David praises the Lord for all of His blessings, or benefits, which include healing.

These verses are also a forward look to the work of redemption accomplished by Jesus on the cross: ‘Praise the Lord, O 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 loving-kindness and compassion…’ (Psalm 103:2-4)

7. The Healing Work of the Cross Foretold (Isaiah 53)

‘Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions,  He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.’ (Isaiah 53:4-5-NKJV)

The Hebrew word Choliy that has been translated ‘griefs’ also means sickness or disease. [4] This word ‘choliy’ has been translated sickness or disease in many other scriptures. (See 2 Ki 1:2, 2 Chr 16:12, Job 30:18, Dt 7:15, Ps 41:3, Eccl 5:17).

Later, Matthew quotes this scripture in the context of Jesus driving out spirits with a word and healing all who were sick: “This is to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” (Matt 8: 17)

‘By His stripes we are healed.’ When Peter later quoted this verse—referring to the cross—he used the past tense: “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) This was because atonement was accomplished once and for all by Jesus’ death on the cross. The Greek word used by Peter for healing was used in other scriptures for physical healing. [5]

8. Healing in His Wings

‘But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will arise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall…’ (Malachi 4:2)

The Old Testament closes with the same promise that the New Testament finishes with; that the time is coming when our healing will be forever complete and we will live in the light of God’s glorious presence in all eternity.

We see this prophecy also fulfilled in the first coming of our Lord Jesus. Zechariah, father of John the Baptist spoke these words: “…because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:78,79)

When Jesus came as light to our world, He did indeed come with healing in His wings. And He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. (Heb 13:8)

Notes:

[1] A fast-forward to the end: the book of Revelation assures us that there will once again come a day where there is no death, mourning crying or pain. (Rev 21:4)

[2] A wonderful picture of redemption can be seen in the Exodus of Israel. They are set free from bondage, made physically whole, carry with them the silver and gold of Egypt (effectively financial restitution for their years of unpaid labour) and released to worship and serve God.

[3] STRONG, J. Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 1996. Ref 7495

[4] Strongs ref 2483.

[5] Strongs ref 2390. See Matt 8:13, Mark 5:29, Luke 6:19, Luke 22:51, Acts 28:8

Hayford states, ‘Peter’s intent in quoting Is 53:5 is to show that personal wholeness—mental psychological, physical and spiritual—flows from this conversion.’ HAYFORD, J W, Ed. The Spirit-Filled Life Bible.  1991.  Nashville: Thomas Nelson. P1910

More Articles on the topic of Healing:

Discover Your Unique Healing Gift

7 Reasons Why You Can Pray for Healing

3 Simple Ways to Pray for Healing

Do you have any thoughts to share on the topic of Healing in the Old Testament? Leave a comment on the comments box. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Did you receive this from a friend? Read more from Enliven Blog or sign to receive our weekly prophetic teaching updates at http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog

I have a dream that every Christian will have the confidence and freedom to pray for other people, in any situation.

We serve a loving and supernatural God, Who longs to express His grace and power through us in our everyday lives.

Last week I shared some reasons why we can pray for physical healing, and today I want to share 3 simple ways that you can put it into practice.

It Isn’t about a Formula

When we start out, it can be helpful to become familiar with a few different methods of praying. It is a bit like having access to a toolkit. We can then use whichever method suits the situation—or pray as the Holy Spirit leads us.

When you look at how Jesus healed people in the Gospels, you see many different ways that it took place.

So when we pray, it is not about a formula, although you might find one way of praying for healing that suits you.

Contrary to what some people may try and tell you, there is no one best method to pray for healing.

If there was one superior method, then those healing ministries in the world to day that are getting the most results would all be using one method. But they are not—they all have different expressions of ministry!

3 Easy Ways to Pray for Physical Healing

Here are three different ways that you can pray for healing. I call them Petition (Asking) Prayer, Power Prayer, and Pastoral (Caring) Prayer.

1. Petition (Asking) Prayer

We petition God when we simply ask Him to do something—in this case to bring healing—in Jesus’ Name.

Petition is not inferior to other types of prayer—asking is powerful, and is the privilege of sons and daughters. (Matt 7:7-11, John 14:13-14)

Making requests of God should be done with thanksgiving—we pray with the confidence that He hears us, and has already provided the answer to our prayer. (Phil 4:6)

We see petition happening in the Bible when people came to Jesus asking for healing on behalf of themselves and others.

Petition prayer is a powerful witness to non-Christians because it demonstrates our relationship with God.

2. Power Prayer

Power Prayer is short, brief and to the point, rather like a ‘laser beam’ of focused prayer or command, using the Name of Jesus.

In Power Prayer, we exercise the authority God has given to us over sickness. This includes:

A. Praying using the authority of Jesus’ Name (Acts 4:10,30; John 14:12-14)

B. Praying or declaring scripture

God’s word has authority. Some scriptures we can pray include 1 Peter 2:24, Ex 15:26, Ps 107:20

C. Speaking a word of command to the sickness (Ps 107:20)

Jesus frequently used a word of command or pronouncement of healing. (Luke 8:54, John 5:8, Matt 12:13)

Peter primarily used the spoken word to bring healing in his ministry. (Acts 3:6, 9:34, 9:40)

3. Pastoral (Caring) Prayer

In pastoral care prayer, we aim specific prayer at caring for the person, not only for healing, but also for issues related to the illness.

The power of Pastoral Prayer is that we are praying specifically. It lets the person know that God cares and we care about their whole life related to that issue. (Gal 6:2, Rom 12:12)

Some things we can pray for include:

• Healing and Divine intervention
• Pray concerning specific symptoms as well as the underlying cause of the sickness
• Other family members affected by the need expressed
• Key events such as medical appointments, operations, and so on
• The medical skill of doctors and other professionals
• Other logistics relating to the illness—such as finance, help and transport
• Any emotional responses to the situation—e.g. fear, trauma or anxiety

I like to pray for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit for Christians who are in difficult times or require healing. They may have had a lot of emotion, or pain to deal with and can feel depleted emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Other Prayer Tools

Here are some further thoughts about prayer for healing:

Repeated Prayer

Repeated prayer show the people that we care enough to journey the distance with them. And God may use the power of recurring prayer in the process of healing. Jesus prayed more than once for a blind man, who was healed gradually. (Mark 8:22-26)

Two Points of Connection

a. Laying on hands

Laying on of hands was one of many methods that Jesus used to minister healing to people. (Luke 4:40)

Paul mostly used the laying on of hands and physical impartation to heal. (Acts 20:10, 19:11-12, 28:8)

The benefits of having a physical point of connection include:

• It can help build faith
• It reminds others and us that we are an agent, or representative of Jesus.
• It is a Biblical means of impartation (releasing the healing power of God through one person to another)

We should always ask people first to ensure they are comfortable with us touching them as we pray.

b. Anointing with oil

Anointing with oil is symbolic. It is recommended for use by leaders in the NT. (James 5:14) Jesus’ disciples also used anointing oil on one occasion in Mark 6:13.

We need to keep in mind that unchurched people do not understand the symbolism of anointing with oil, therefore it is may not always be appropriate.

Important Things to Remember

Finally, important things to remember whilst praying for healing are:

• The basis for our prayer is not our ability, but what Jesus has accomplished on the cross. (1 Peter 2:24)

• Jesus healed people out of compassion. (Matt 14:14) Love is vital to praying for healing as it is in any ministry situation. (1 Cor 13:2-3)

• Never advise people to cease prescribed medications. If they believe they are healed, refer them to their physician for confirmation first.

• Acknowledge the mystery of prolonged or unanswered prayer and never place blame for this on anyone’s ‘lack of faith’.
  In 2 Tim 4:20, we learn of a close associate of the Apostle Paul who remained ill. No answers were given. We are called to pray in faith, leaving the outcome up to God.

Other articles in the Healing Series:

7 Reasons Why You Can Pray For Healing

Discover Your Unique Healing Gift

Do you have any further thoughts or questions about the topic of healing? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Did you receive this from a friend? Read more from Enliven Blog or sign to receive our weekly prophetic teaching updates at http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog

Today I want to share with those of you who, like me, have a strong desire to see people healed as you pray for them—but are uncertain as to whether or not you have a spiritual gift of healing. (I will share some signs of the spiritual gift of healing later in this post)

Here are 7 simple reasons why you can pray for physical healing for people, not just in the context of church life, but also in your everyday life:

1. God is Healer by Name and Nature

We pray for healing because it is on the heart of God.

God is revealed as the healer of disease throughout the Bible. One of His Names is Jehovah Ropheka—‘The Lord Who Heals You’ (Ex 15:26)

He is healer not only by Name but also by nature—Jesus revealed the Father’s heart as He went about ministering healing and freedom to people. (John 14:9-11, Acts 10:38)

Prayer for healing is centred not only upon God’s willingness; it is also based Jesus’ finished work upon the cross. Jesus paid the price for our sin and sickness, and when He rose from the dead He held in His hands the keys of death and hell. (Matt 8:17; 1 Peter 2:24, Rev 1:18) [1]

2. Jesus set us an Example to Follow

Jesus demonstrated a lifestyle of ministering healing to people and trained and instructed His disciples to do the same. This included His wider group of followers, not just the 12. (Luke 10:1-9)

The instructions Jesus gave to His first disciples were to be passed on to future generations of Christian believers. (Matt 28:20)

The practice of healing did not stop there: the ministry of healing was an integral part of early church life. (James 5:13-16)

3. Prayer for Healing is vital to Pastoral Care

We pray for healing because it expresses God’s compassion and care for people.

In church life, prayer for physical healing is essential to pastoral care. It provides comfort and encouragement to individuals and families who are struggling with illness. (James 5:13-16)

And when healing occurs, it provides opportunity for the church to rejoice in the testimony of what God has done. (1 Cor 12:26)

4. It Encourages People to Connect with God

Offering to pray for people who are sick encourages them to look to God in their time of need. (Matt 14:34-36)

Even in our day of advanced science in medicine, there are illnesses for which there are no medical answers. We can look to our Creator Who intimately knows the function of our physical bodies.

5. Prayer makes a Difference.

God’s power is released when we pray. (Matt 18:18-20)

And even in the times God’s power it does not manifest in the time or manner that we expect, He is still at work in ways that we do not understand.

Your prayers are powerful and do make a difference. James instructs us, ‘…pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

The mystery of continued illness did not stop the early apostles praying for healing and it should not hinder us. (2 Tim 4:20)

6. It Impacts the lives of People who do not yet know God.

(Matt 8:8-18, Luke 10:8-9)
When there is a felt need, people are often more responsive to prayer than any other time.

It is amazing how open people are to prayer as a concept, even before they are aware that prayer is actually about a relationship with an awesome God! And we have the opportunity to demonstrate that relationship when we offer to pray for them.

Our faith in a supernatural God Who answers prayer today should permeate throughout our whole life. People around us need to see the expression of our faith in action.

7. We pray for Healing because we can!

Who can pray for physical healing?

A. Leaders in the church

‘Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.’ James 5:14-15

There is a special authority and Biblical mandate for leaders to pray for physical healing.

B. Those with a Spiritual gift of Healing

‘Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing.’ 1 Cor 12:27-28

Here are some signs that you may have a healing gift:

• You have a strong desire to see people healed by God’s power
• You are passionate about praying for the sick and regularly encourage others to receive prayer
• You have had prophecies or a long-term sense of God’s call to minister in healing
• You gravitate towards ministry that includes praying for the sick
• You usually offer to pray for healing when people are sick
• You may have experienced healing yourself
• You may have had particular trials in the area of your health, either yourself or someone close to you (trials indicate triumph… look at some of the leading Biblical characters)
• People have been healed when you have prayed for them,  experiencing a genuine touch from God emotionally or physically.

C. All followers of Jesus

‘Very truly I tell you, all who have faith in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.’ (John 14:12)

Our authority is exercised in the Name of Jesus. (Acts 4:10, See also point 2., above)

Whether or not you have a spiritual gift of prayer, or healing, you can still pray on the basis of your relationship with God and the authority that you have as His son or daughter.

Notes
[1] There are many differing viewpoints regarding the Biblical doctrine of and basis for physical healing. I find it interesting that Jesus did not teach on healing. Rather, He taught about the Kingdom of God—and healed people.

Can you think of more reasons why we can pray for the sick? Are you wondering whether or not you have a gift of healing? Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Related Posts:

3 Simple Way to Pray For Healing

Discover Your Unique Healing Gift

The Power Of A Prophetic Act

You Don’t Need A Special Gift To Be A Supernatural Christian

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

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• Have you ever wondered why you feel more comfortable with some styles of prayer than with others?
• Do you desire for people to be healed when you pray for them?
• Have you ever been intimidated by another person’s healing gift or ministry?

Did you know that God has given you a unique gift of healing?

During my years of leading people in the ministry of prayer, I have come to recognise that every person expresses his or her spiritual gift in a unique way.

For example, an intercessor can have a bent towards warfare, or worship, or identification, or prophetic intercession. Another may simply be a faithful, task-focused intercessor. Sometimes surprisingly, no two people with the gift of intercession operate effectively in exactly the same manner [1].

It is the same with the gift of healing.

When we study the way Jesus healed people, we can observe many different ways that it happened: He pronounced healing (Mark 5:34), gave a word of command (Matt 12:13), laid on hands (Luke 4:40), used unusual means such as spitting (John 9:6-7), and even repeated praying (Mark 8:22-26)

However, I noticed in studying the book of Acts, that God used Paul to heal predominantly through physical impartation—touch and laying on of hands [2]. Peter healed primarily through speaking a word of faith or command [3].

Like Peter and Paul, we are all wired differently. Our personal combination of spiritual gifts, along with our God-given personalities will impact the way we best pray for and minister Jesus’ healing and love to people.

We need to be comfortable with our own unique expression of the gift God has given us, and allow others the room, and grace, to operate differently.

I have discovered that I have a gift of impartation—when I lay hands on someone and pray, the Holy Spirit flows through me to minister infilling or healing.

For example, one time at an altar call I prayed for a woman, soaking her in prayer for an extended time. She said afterwards that as I prayed it felt as though she was placed into a warm bath. Physical pain that had been a part of her life for a long time disappeared.

One of our team members has a gentle approach in praying for healing, and God has used her prayers to effect some dramatic miracles. Another has a very bold approach using words of command, and has also seen physical healing.

I love the gift of team. One person may have insight into a demonic cause of affliction and be able to break its power. Another’s soft approach may bring healing to both body and soul. Yet another team member’s bold word of command or word of knowledge might be what is needed for a miracle.

How can you discover your unique healing gift and style?

1. When you are starting out, learn a variety of methods for praying for healing [4]. I liken this to adding tools to our healing toolkit. Gradually, we become aware of which ‘tools’ suit us best.

2. Feel free to practice, and to try out different methods. Find a safe environment to have a go, with other Christians who are on the same journey.

3. Be aware of all your spiritual gifts, and explore how these may work together and impact the way you best minister healing.

3. Don’t limit yourself to one style of prayer, even after you discover a preferred means of praying for healing.

Always listen to the Holy Spirit. He may lead you to take an approach that is outside of your comfort zone in order to bring a healing miracle to someone’s life.

4. Do not feel intimidated or made to feel inferior by another person’s style or gift, or feel that you have to be like them.

On the other hand, take care to remain grounded and be wary of others being impressed or intimidated by your gift—especially if you have a bold expression.

5. Be sensitive to people—sometimes you will need to modify your preferred approach if the situation requires it or it is not appropriate. The Holy Spirit will still move, and love is His way.

6. We should never criticise or look down on someone who does not operate in his or her healing ministry the same way that we do.

7. If you lead or teach others, be wise in your approach to mentoring and training. It is vital that we encourage the gifts of others and do not try to recreate people ‘in our own image.’

Healing and Honour

Having said all this, we need to honour the leadership of organisations, ministries, or churches that prescribe set methods, or lead a distinctive culture for operating in gifts of healing and miracles. God can and does use these powerfully.

If, like me, you are privileged to lead and release people into their ministries, consider the joy of helping them identify and discover their unique spiritual gifts and style.

I believe that in our generation we are going to see His healing power break out in an even greater measure than ever before.

Let’s honour each other and release each other to do and be all that Jesus has called us to be—and not settle for anything less.

1 Cor 12:4-6
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

Notes:

[1]. A great resource on this topic is FEMRITE, T; ALVES, E; KAUFMAN, K.  Intercessors Discover Your Prayer Power.  2000.  Ventura : Regal.
[2]. Acts 20:10, 19:11-12, 28:8
[3]. Acts 3:6, 9:34, 9:40
[4]. E.g., laying on hands, anointing with oil, words of command or pronouncement, caring and pastoral prayer, praying scripture.

Related Posts:

3 Simple Ways to Pray For Healing
7 Reasons Why You Can Pray For Healing

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church