43
Prayer protocol
Director of prayer at Liberty church teaches method for this ministry
By LINDA M. LINONIS
liberty
The healing ministry of Jesus is the gold standard for those engaged in healing prayer.
“Jesus Christ is our example ... about one-fifth of the Gospels are devoted to Jesus’ healing ministry,” said Bill Sawtelle, a member of Pleasant Valley Evangelical Church for some 30 years. “God does the healing, we do not,” he emphasized. “Sometimes it doesn’t happen as we want it to ... but it happens according to need.”
The director of prayer and counseling at the church presented an educational experience for some 35 church members this week on the subject of healing prayer. He emphasized to those interested in this prayer form that “the authority comes from Jesus Christ.”
He continued that “God is in the business of healing” but sometimes it doesn’t come in the way a person wants it.
Sawtelle said people seek healing prayer at church services and other times. He wanted to establish guidelines for those engaged in healing prayer.
First, he said, find out what the problem is and get to the point. This should be a brief exchange of information. “You don’t want every detail of the problem. The altar is not the place for this,” he cautioned. He added that too much information also is overwhelming for the person praying.
Then it’s up to person praying to “diagnose” what the root cause of the problem. “Speak to the pain or fear,” he said.
When it comes to prayer selection, Sawtelle said, be open to where Jesus is leading you. “Healing the sick depends on God, not us,” Sawtelle said. “Healing prayer depends on the power of God.”
A brief ministry time of prayer may involved touching the person. But always ask if a person minds being touched on the forehead or shoulders, Sawtelle said. And if anointing oils might be used, the recipient always must be consulted because of allergies and aversions to certain smells.
Sawtelle noted that though most people pray with their eyes closed, those engaged in healing prayer should keep them open to watch for reactions. “Ask what the person is feeling,” he suggested. “Listen to God and keep your spiritual ears open.”
“Healing is a grace gift,” said John Weisman, lead pastor at Pleasant Valley.
Sawtelle said those engaged in healing prayer must be mindful of protocol, good manners, proper respect, display integrity and have consistency at the altar. “We want healing but we want it as a testimony to God,” he said. He also noted those involved in healing prayer must be mindful of “keeping confidentiality” because of the sensitivity of some of the problems people have.
“Jesus can elevate our understanding of healing,” Sawtelle said, adding that those praying never know what will happen. Sometimes there is healing, and sometimes not. “It’s human nature to look at the negative,” he said. “But don’t be discouraged if you don’t see an answer to the prayer.”
Sawtelle suggested participants read the book, “Willing,” by Rick Evans and other books related to healing prayer. He also offered a variety of Scripture for referral and reference to healing prayer and ministry.
Sawtelle also told the group it should be apparent if someone needs more prayer or counseling. That person should be referred to Sawtelle.
Mary Harris, a member for about a decade, said she attended the program because she “struggles when praying for people.” She wanted to get better at it.
Sue McMaster, an eight-year member, said she came to the session “to learn how to pray correctly and with confidence.”
Paul Jenkins, who prays with people at Share Outreach, the church’s food and clothing ministry, said he came to “find out what I don’t know.” He added he wanted to do healing prayer in the right way. Janet Jenkins, a member since 1995, said she wanted to “hone my prayer skills.”
Sawtelle concluded with this thought — “everyone should feel better after prayer.”