Healing Starts with Prayer

“Let us therefor come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4: 16

Introduction:

In James 5: 16 it says, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Yet often as Christians we don't treat our prayer life that way. Usually they come as a wish list request.

But if you want to see breakthrough in the lives of those you know struggling with an addiction or other issue, prayer is where the healing begins. Never be shy about prayer! It's the start of change that lasts.

Here are five ways to pray effectively, even when you the person you love won't talk to you about what's keeping the trapped in pain.

1. Be Specific

When my wife sends me to the grocery store I have one rule; Be SPECIFIC. I need to know exactly what brand, what it looks like everything. This way, she gets what she needs and I don't misunderstand her. It works because there's nothing like getting what you asked for!

The same is true when praying for someone. If they're struggling with a problem be specific in how you ask God to heal them. Experience has taught me the more specific I am in prayer the more surprises God brings in his answers. Tell God exactly what you need him to do for who you're praying for.

2. Pray BIG

There's no such thing as a "safe prayer." Praying for someone's healing is the prayer that can save their life. Thinking about praying is an act of kindness filled with power and love. Following through means you pray for the impossible.

God get it. That son, daughter, uncle or best friend has been trapped in their habit for years. All kinds of help hasn't freed them for their issue. Often times, big prayers bring big results. Praying small prayers comes from looking at your own strength. Ask God for bigger things for loved one or friend!

3. Get Help

I have a secret prayer weapon, I love! When I need God to heal someone I hop on my prayer chain. This online tool allows me to post or text a group of prayer warriors ready to intercede for someone I mention on a moments notice!

You weren't made to do life alone. Ask fellow believers to pray for the one you love. You can keep their name confidential. But don't hesitate to seek prayer from others who are willing to help. Jesus was serious when he said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

4. Keep a Prayer Schedule

Whether you pray for three days or a hundred keep a prayer schedule. I recommend praying from someone a minimum of forty days. It's a time of purification practiced by Jesus and his followers. Also, it gives you time to see God work in the life of the one you're praying for.

Use a paper or electronic calendar. Each day you pray mark it off with a check mark or "X." You will feel good you stepped into the life hurting and asked God to help them. If you don't accomplish anything that day doing this will remind you how much you helped someone!

5. Repeat the Process

What happens when God heals or begins healing who you prayed for? Listen and watch for the next person with a habit, hurt or hang up! Being vigilant like this puts people struggling in your path to pray for. God will start bringing them to you, so you're aware of them.

I'm at the point in my prayer life where I'm asked to pray for others. It's because I make this an ongoing habit. Normally, I'm doing a one-day prayer for myself and at least one other person. It's fun to watch God work in your life and the lives of others through prayer. Try it!

Let Go of Worthless Idols

Scriptural Reference:

Check out the scriptures below based on the post you read today. Use them for your regular study to internalize God's word for your walk, protection and other benefits!

• 1 John 5: 14 - Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

• James 4: 3 - You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

• Psalm 34: 4 - I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
  And delivered me from all my fears.

• Psalm 34: 6 - This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
  And saved him out of all his troubles.

• Hebrews 4: 16 - Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

• Philippians 4: 6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

  Need Prayer?

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Need prayer for your habits, hurts and hang ups? Send your requests to [email protected].