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Intercessory Prayer Team Guide
This intercessory prayer team guide is
designed to be used by congregations for training individuals who are interested in the
ministry of praying for other people. The suggestions that are included in this guide are
the result of experience. One of the fast-growing ministries in the church is that of
trained prayer teams who avail themselves to pray for others. If you are considering such
a ministry, this guide may provide some helpful suggestions for your training sessions:
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
thanksgivings be made for everyone..."
1 Timothy 2:1
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this
is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-19.
- All that is shared with you is to be kept strictly confidential.
- Prepare your mind and heart by examining yourself and making repentance
and confession of sin to God. Seek to humble yourself and open your heart to the Holy
Spirit.
- Ask those you are going to intercede for, "What would you like me to
pray for?" If you need further clarity, ask, "How would you like me to pray
about this...?"
- It is important to engage the will and to create openness as we prepare
to minister in prayer with them. This is especially critical if you are praying for youth
or children who may have been compelled to seek prayer. (we are partners together with the
Holy Spirit - it is God who works, not us!).
- Ask if it is alright to join hands as you pray. This allows you the
ability to make both physical and spiritual connection.
- When it is time to pray with an individual or couple, take a couple of
deep breaths and pray (silently or aloud) as you breathe in, "Come, Holy Spirit.
- Take time to listen for God’s leading (what is God bringing to mind
as you open yourself for God to speak? Jn 5:30; 1 Sam 3:10). We must fight the tendency to
fall into a pattern or style that closes our heart to God - as Moses did in getting water
from a rock - Ex 17:1-6//Num 20:7-12). God still speaks: Jn 16:12-15.
- As you begin to pray, thank God for the person you are praying for; pray
for the specific request(s); and finally, ask God to bless the person you are praying
with.
- Keep in mind that no matter what the request, we are God’s
instruments of prayer. (However, if you are asked to pray with a person of the opposite
sex and the request makes you uncomfortable, excuse yourself and look for another person
to join you in the circle of prayer). We are not to judge the request but simply pray.
Jesus modeled a heart of compassion (Latin: com = together; passe = suffer) when he
ministered to others. God will work out this request.
- When praying, speak near the ear of the individual but soft enough to
keep it private.
- Remember, there is no "right" way to pray. Simply open your
heart to God and the individual for whom you are praying. Close the prayer "in
Jesus’ name."
- Breath mints are helpful, especially when you are nervous.
- Having several boxes of tissues available may prove helpful.
- If your church has a prayer chapel, welcome guests and gently ask if they
want you to pray with them. Allow people the space to pray alone. Finally, it’s best
to have men pray with men and women pray with women, if a person desires prayer.
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