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Healing Prayer 

"Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal," Luke 9:1-2.

Principles of Healing:

A. It is not God's plan or will that we are sick (John 10:10).

B. It is God who heals - we are only the vehicle through whom God works.

C. God has been healing people, not only in Bible times, but throughout the history of the church. Here is a sample: 

1. Ireneaus (c. 130-c.200) 
2. Origen (c.160-c.225) 
3. Augustine (354-430) 
4. Bernard (1090-1153) 
5. Francis (1181/2-1226) 
6. Luther (1483-1546) 
7. Fox (1624-1691) 
8. Wesley (1703-1791) 
9. Sanford (1897-c.1977)

a) prayerfulness - connects us to God. 
b) prayer of faith - climate for healing 
c) prayer of gratitude

Small Group Study:

Group 1: Read Mark 2:1-12. 

A. Why did Jesus say to the man, "your sins are forgiven you?" 
B. In what ways is sin like paralysis? 
C. What connection do you think there is between the sin of the man and his situation? Is there one?

Group 2: Read Mark 5:21-24a, 35-43. 

A. Jairus, the synagogue ruler fell at Jesus feet. Have you ever been that desperate? 
B. What did Jesus do with the "nay-sayers?" 
C. Is it important to surround yourselves with people who are believers?

Group 3: Read Mark 10:46-52. 

A. How do you respond a beggar approaches you? 
B. How does the blind man get Jesus' attention? 
C. In what areas of your life do you want Jesus to "open" your eyes? 
D. If Jesus asked you, "what do you want me to do for you," what would you say?

Brent Dahlseng, Prayer Ministries bdahlseng@elca.org 800-638-3522 x2682

Check out: www.orderofstluke.org for additional information on healing ministry.