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We are in our fifth week of a series I am calling our Sunday Morning Healing Seminar. Our goal is to learn to hear what the Father is saying and do what the Father is doing, as Jesus did. Jesus did not approach every ministry opportunity in the same manner. He was led by the Father. He asked questions. He ministered to people according to their greatest need. We want to try to do the same.
Our seminar centers around five steps which answer five questions:
Today we are on step four.
STEP FOUR – THE PRAYER ENGAGEMENT
(Provides an opportunity for the Kingdom of God to manifest)
Answers the question: "How are we doing?"
A. Prayer/ministry should proceed while looking for effect, i.e. warmth, tingling, muscle spasms, shaking, deep breathing, perspiration, etc.
1. When in doubt, ask questions (What is God doing? What do you feel? What is going on?) We have seen that Jesus asked questions, as did the apostles.
a. The Holy Spirit is not fragile and will continue to minister after a short interview.
b. Go from general to specific. How do you feel? What is going on? What are you feeling? Where? Etc.
2. Build faith if necessary
a. Some people are programmed for failure. “God never touches me.” While shaking and swaying.
b. Some people are not tuned in to their own bodies - tell them that you see the Holy Spirit on them and what you feel God is doing. This helps to build faith if you are “on”. But don't make stuff up!
3. Always keep an ear to God for information/direction. Ask God questions as you go – “Father is there something you want to show me?”
Respect the person - be tentative with words of knowledge. Remember, it is not your strength of will that makes things happen.
B. Stop praying when: Of course, if they are healed – seeing, walking, hearing, etc. it would probably be a good time to stop praying.
1. The person you are praying for indicates that it is over. Don't push
2. When the Holy Spirit tells you that it is over. Sometimes God says, “This is all for today.” And gives you direction for them to pursue wellness, like joining a small group.
3. When you cannot think of anything else to pray. Don't switch to auto pilot, or an old model.
4. When you have prayed for everything and it seems you have not gained any ground. It is okay to come back later. To keep on going when nothing is happening can hurt faith, especially if you are saying things God is not saying.
STEP FIVE - THE POST PRAYER DIRECTION
Answers the question: "What should they do to keep their healing and continue on the road to wholeness?"
Go and sin no more." John 8:11
A. Supernatural leading for special direction.
“Go wash in the pool of Siloam.” John 9:6-11
“Go read Psalm 51.” “Call Sam and ask for forgiveness.”
B. General Counsel
1. Continue to develop intimacy with God
a. Prayer
b. Reading the Scriptures, not as an exercise but as hanging out with God.
Developing our walk with God will always help us be healthier.
2. Continue to develop intimacy with others
a. Small groups
b. Church
c. Social Involvement with others (very important to have fun with friends)
Healthy relationships are indispensable in helping us to walk with God and to experience life the way he intended.
Much healing happens just from doing these things!
Section Three: RELEASING THE POWER OF GOD TO HEAL
A. What you believe about God's willingness and desire to heal will determine how (and often how effectively) you pray.
1. Theology of healing
2. Faith
3. Doing the Stuff
B. The following values are essential to releasing the power of the Holy Spirit to heal.
1. Become a risk taker.
2. Overcome the fear barrier.
3. Create fertile ground.
4. Develop the gifts of the Holy Spirit within the context of one another ministry.
(I Corinthians 12:7-11, Eph. 4:16)
C. Learn to wait on God.
 (Wimber, Power Evangelism, 1986, p.155.)
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