Prayer can be a powerful tool to bring about healing in our lives. As Christians, we are called to pray for one another and believe God will answer those prayers.
So, how do you go about praying for someone who is sick or injured? Here are four steps you can take to make sure your prayers of healing are effective.
1. WORK IN TEAMS (2 OR 3 AT LEAST)
According to the Bible, “If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). Working in teams of three allows us to connect with others and join together in prayer. When we come together and concentrate on the same goal, we become even more powerful instruments of healing.
The Bible also tells us, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
2. ANOINT THE PERSON WITH OIL
Anointing with oil has been used since Old Testament times as a symbol of dedication and consecration. James 5:14 – Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
We believe that anointing someone’s head with oil helps bring healing through obeying the scriptures, but somehow/some way, it draws attention to the presence of God and His power to heal.
If you do this, do it in faith! Do not pray in doubt.
3. PLACE YOUR HAND ON THE SICK OR INJURED
Placing your hand on someone’s shoulder is a simple gesture of obedience to the scriptures but also conveys empathy, understanding, and support.
Mark 16:17-18
These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”.
4. BE POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING
Prayers should always be positive and encouraging rather than negative or condemning because God wants us all to experience His love through His grace and mercy when we reach out for help through prayerful requests for healing. We should also remember that God doesn’t always answer our prayers immediately but hears us when we call out His name, humbly seeking His help in times of need or distress.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Praying for someone ill or injured is not only scriptural but an act of love and compassion! But ultimately, it is up to God to grant the request made during prayer. (We just need to be obedient) Still, through faith & perseverance, we have faith, knowing He will answer according to His will & timing!