H5 - The Prayer Model
The Healing Model
Handout #4
Step One: The Interview
Where does it hurt?
1. Conducted on two planes:
- Natural - Empirical (ask person what they think is wrong, where it hurts, etc.). Sort information according to past and present experiences—what you see, know, have learned, etc.
- Supernatural - Cosmic (ask the Holy Spirit to show his insights). Sort information according to the gifts of the Spirit—words of knowledge and wisdom, discerning of spirits, etc.
2. This is NOT a medical interview.
Step Two: Diagnostic Decision
What has caused this condition?
1. It could be caused by natural factors:
- Living in a fallen, sinful world (virus, accidents, etc.)
- Sin (sexual immorality - STD)
- Emotional/social (unforgiveness)
- Family traits (poor heart, diabetes)
2. It could be caused by spiritual factors:
- Demonic affliction (blind, deaf, bowed over, etc.)
- Demonic oppression (compulsive behavior, fearful, etc.)
Step Three: Prayer Selection
What kind of prayer will I need?
1. Prayer directed toward God.
- Most common: petition—ask for Spirit’s presence/ask for Spirit’s healing
- Intercessory prayer
2. Prayer from God.
- Command - of faith
- Pronouncement - of faith
- To devil/demons - rebuke, bind, expel
Step Four: Prayer Engagement
How are we doing?
1. Prayer/ministry should be specifically directed toward the diagnosed problem while looking for indications of the Spirit’s presence.
- The “effect” you are praying for is healing.
- Certain observable phenomena that indicate the Spirit is accomplishing healing can include the following: warmth, tingling, muscle spasms, shaking, deep breathing, tenderness and tears, stiffness in certain body parts, dizziness, perspiration.
- Pray with your eyes open to observe these signals and cooperate with the Spirit.
- Follow the Spirit’s lead by continued flow of gifts of the Spirit while ministering.
2. When in doubt, ask questions.
- Healing may have occurred without any visible signs.
- Problems on the minister’s side may be blocking healing: unable to fully discern what the Spirit is doing; may need to go back (repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 if necessary).
- Problems on the receiving end may be blocking healing: some people are expecting not to receive; some are resisting what the Spirit has begun to do.
- This feedback may lead to an adjusted approach that will be more effective.
3. Stop praying when:
- Healing is completed.
- You sense that the Spirit is finished for now.
- You don’t know what else to do.
Step Five: Post-Prayer Directions
What should I do or expect next?
1. Summarize the situation.
- Explain what has occurred.
- Share any gifts of encouragement or exhortation given to you by the Holy Spirit.
- Direct the person to follow through on any repentance for sin that the Spirit has begun dealing with during the ministry time (be practical).
- If healing has not occurred or is incomplete, affirm and encourage the person to keep seeking because God is willing to heal.
2. Avoid the following problems:
- Don’t give personal advice.
- Don’t condemn a person for not receiving healing (“it’s sin” or “a lack of faith”).
3. Follow up.