Praying for Healing Tool
About this module.
Read Matthew 8:1–17; Acts 3:1–16; & Acts 9:36–42
After reading those passages listed above it has become apparent: God cares deeply for every part of life—including health and wholeness. In Scripture, Jesus not only taught about the Kingdom, but He demonstrated the kingdom, bringing healing to bodies, hearts, and minds. His disciples then go out in His name and authority and heal the sick as well. Praying for healing is an invitation to engage with God's heart and His power to restore. As followers of Jesus, the call is not to pray timidly—God invites bold, faith-filled prayers. It's choosing hope over despair and partnership with what God wants to do, using prayer as a tool to release God’s power over specific areas needing healing.
In this prayer tool, “faith” plays a vital role.
Why would Jesus do this?
Why would Jesus commend someone’s “faith” so much (as he did in Matthew 8:10–13 & 15:28) if someone’s faith truly meant nothing other than sentiment?
Faith in Christ to move in power on our behalf or others demonstrates belief in His sovereign authority to do whatever he wills. This shouldn’t surprise us. What should surprise us is how genuine, bold faith stirs Christ to say in response to the centurion: “Let it [the healing of the servant] be done according to your faith” (Matthew 8:13).
What?!
Christ wielded His sovereign power to the request of a deeply flawed man who had faith that Christ’s word was the most creative and powerful force in the world. I want to submit this to you: the Roman centurion’s faith was not simply desperation–willing to try anything for the healing of his servant boy. His faith was the pinnacle convergence of Christ’s authoritative power and Christ’s heartfelt will to heal.
One of Christ’s healings even records him saying: “I am willing” (Matthew 8:3, also recorded in Mark 1 and Luke 5). Do we pray in light of His willingness? Or do we think Christ needs convincing?
Here is the realization: When we pray for healing, we are not twisting God’s arm to act; we are positioning ourselves with open hands to receive what He delight to give.
Healing is not a burden to him. He is moved with compassion (see Matthew 14:14). He takes action. His heart burns with love. He draws near to faith and worship. Let us position ourselves not as one testing the Lord but as people who are radically in love and like a deer panting for streams of water (Psalm 42). We don’t test him; we trust him. Our faith is not contingent on the outcome—even if He doesn’t heal, He has done enough. Our faith is stirred to be close to him and to reach out in faith and touch him (as modeled by the woman in Mark 5). His presence is our healing. That is key and worth repeating: Christ’s presence is our healing!
Therefore, we are safe to approach him for healing. We are welcome to draw near in this way. Let us do just that. Not a frantic desperation in prayer; but a love that is swooning with affection. And if he doesn’t heal our body, maybe he is doing something necessary in our soul. Where there is breakthrough–celebrate! When healing doesn’t come as asked or expected–embrace the mystery. The result (or lack of) does not change the character of the Savior. His healing will ultimately and irreversibly come to all when He returns to make all things new (see Philippians 3:20–21). Conversely, the lack of swift answer to a prayer does not mean the answer isn’t worth persevering in prayer for! This is the tension we will live in as we pray in faith for miracles and healing. Yet, it is worth it.
Let’s layout expectations for a moment. Here are the variables of how praying for healing might transpire:
- The person is healed immediately and thoroughly. (That’s the aim, folks! That’s what we are praying for!)
- The person is healed immediately and partially. (That is, some relief but not full restoration.)
- The person’s healing may be delayed but thorough. (We have seen instances of people being prayed for without any immediate change, only to wake up the next morning with healing having taken place, for one example.)
- The person’s healing may be delayed and partial.
- Or the person may experience no substantial change at all.
We share this to say that the worse case scenario is that the person remains the way they already are. So, why not pray for them? They are already hurting. Instead of framing it as “What if nothing happens?” Frame it this way: “What if something DOES happen?”
With that said, surveying enough of the healings in the Gospels and Acts reveals that there are no formulas to follow in terms of healing. However, there are a few principles that the following “steps” simply try to make practical as you pray prayers of healing. Let it also be known that praying over matters of the soul are equally important, but these steps will focus on times when praying over someone’s body, even though they can translate to other kinds of “healing” being sought.
Step 1: Diagnose the need.
No miracle scenario exists without a situation of pain, sickness, or discomfort. Identify the need from the person you will pray over. Let them explain the problem. Gather context.
- What is the issue? How long has it persisted? What level of pain is it causing? (Consider using the traditional 1–10 scale.)
- What are they asking prayer for? Try to coach them to be okay with asking Jesus to heal them right then and there. Many people find this uncomfortable, but it is a good stretch of faith. At Newbreak, we have seen several people healed immediately even though prior to that day they didn’t think Jesus would actually do such a thing!
*You will notice these steps are presented as ones assuming YOU will pray over someone else’s healing. If you need healing, we encourage you to have a fellow Christian pray over you with faith and expectation. It is not to say that you can’t pray for yourself. It is to say that there is something powerful about how God answers the prayers of people on behalf of one another.
Step 2: Invite the presence of Jesus.
Jesus is the Healer, not you or your power. That is liberating! So many people hesitate to pray for the sick or needy because they are considering their own power or abilities. It’s not about what you can do. Christ’s power begins where our self-reliance ends. Inviting the presence of Jesus ensures that the ultimate goal is an encounter with Him–even more than the hope of healing. If Christ’s presence is tangibly perceived, even the times when healing does not occur as asked are not marked as discouraging!
Before praying for the need, pray something like this: “Lord Jesus Christ, we know you hear us. We want you to be near to us. Your presence is our good. Your presence is our healing. Your presence is all we ever want. Draw near to us. We need you. We want you. We welcome you. We worship you! You are our Healer and our hope! Come in power. Come.”
Step 3: Declare the authority of Christ over the person.
Trusting that the presence of Christ is with you, move to giving the person you are praying for over to the Lord’s authority. Speak out loud, dedicating the person and the specific area of need to Jesus.
Something like this: “Jesus, I consecrate [name] to You. I bring [their body, their mind, their heart] under Your authority and blessing.” This is not a ritual; it’s an act of alignment, bringing the person fully under the care and rule of Christ.
Step 4: Pronounce healing in the name of Christ over their condition.
Yes, actually pray for healing! And do so with bold faith (unless the Lord is for some reason leading you not to pray for healing). When the New Testament repeatedly mentions praying in “the name of Christ,” it is not some formula that guarantees an outcome; it is calling upon Christ’s person and character to act consistently with your prayer. That is why it is fine to pronounce healing over someone! Christ healed people with definitive, unwavering confidence. Prayers like this: “Jesus, as you touched the leper, touch [insert person’s name] and bring full restoration!” Or if the Spirit prompts, even more authoritative: “[Insert condition] be gone in the name of Jesus Christ! Your tyranny is over! [Insert name] is a temple of the Holy Spirit! This condition does not belong here! Your time is up! Be gone!”
This part does not need to be long to be powerful and effective. Do not be intimidated thinking your prayers have to be long. 1–2 minute prayers for healing are a good target.
Step 5: Ask for feedback.
Let the person you are praying for know that they have freedom to interrupt you with any feedback of anything they are sensing, feeling, or discerning. However, after praying for them, seek feedback. Has there been any tangible change? This data will help you discern what is happening.
Step 6: Respond accordingly.
This step will be dynamic depending on step 5. If they are healed, then praise the Lord! If they experience some tangible (positive) change, it is encouraging to keep going! If nothing (discernable) is happening, then it’ll be your call whether to pray again, or leave them with a word of encouragement.
Try This
Pray for someone or several people this week! No matter the degree of healing needed, get repetitions on praying for healing. If you pray for enough people to be healed, you’ll certainly see people healed! It’s not that it’ll happen every time, but it’ll happen more often then you might think! But remember, pray with faith.
If you are thinking: But what if nothing happens? Leave the outcome to the Lord. We are not called to pray prayers that are safe and predictable. The Lord is not upset when we believe much of Him or what He is willing to do. If you pray for enough people needing healing you will experience these two truths: 1) The Lord is certainly able and willing to heal the sick, even now, today! 2) Not everyone who you pray for gets healed immediately or the way you expect.
These steps are meant to be helpful, but not constrictive. Each situation of praying for healing might look different! Ultimately, be prayed up and listening for the way the Lord will lead you.
Acts 14:3 (NET) So they stayed there for a considerable time, speaking out courageously for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace, granting miraculous signs and wonders to be performed through their hands.
Did you catch that? The Lord Jesus Himself used their hands to impart His healing power. At the end of the day, praying for healing is a way to be the hands of Jesus.
Here is a prayer you can say “Amen” to: Jesus, You are the Great Physician, the Healer of hearts, bodies, and souls. I thank You for the miracles recorded in Your Word—a track-record of Your compassion, love, and authority. My heart longs to see Your Kingdom come with fresh power, to see your miracles manifest right here and now. Use my words. Use my hands. Glorify your name as you release healing through my prayers! Amen!
Inhale faith. Exhale miracles!
Discuss
- What part of this module encouraged you the most and challenged you the most?
- This was perhaps the most controversial module in the Prayer Pathway due to the fact that many people experience disappointments when praying for miracles or healing. How can you take the challenge to pray with greater faith for healing while also knowing that this will have times of disappointment?
- Assuming you took up the challenge to “try this” to pray for someone this week, how did it go? What are you processing from your own experience?