A Guide To Intercessory Prayer
by Rev. Richard W. LaFountain

Step 8... Pray For The Sick
James 5:13-16/ Matt. 8:16-17


Examples:
Jesus instructions to the disciples when he sent them out two by two
was very specific.  They were to preach the Gospel and heal the sick
by praying for them.  The disciples continued to do this after the
ascension of Jesus, as did the members of the early church.  It is the
right thing to do!   It gives God opportunity to respond showing His
great power and confirming the Word of God that is preached.

Purpose:
The purpose of all Divine healing is always to glorify Jesus.  His
touch is a miracle of the resurrected Lord Jesus who has power over
ALL the work of the devil.  The purpose of God's touch is also to
bring us strength and health for continued service.  He does not heal
us just to make us feel good.  He does not intend to heal us so we can
go on sinning, and serving self and the devil with renewed vigor.


1. Pray for discernment of the illness.

       Sometimes people are ill for God's glory.  John 9:3
       Sometimes God allows sickness because of sin.  I Cor. 11:30
       Sometimes it is an attack of the devil.  Job 2:7
       Sometimes God wants to show his grace in trial. II Cor. 12:9

2. Pray for the suffering and pain to cease. Hebrews 4:15-16


3. Pray for the disease to be removed/HEALED!  Matthew 14:36


4. Pray against the enemy who binds with a "spirit of infirmity."
   Luke 13:11


5. Pray for the spiritual life of the sick.  For faith, patience, and
   joy.  I Peter 1:6-7


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                PUT FEET TO YOUR PRAYERS
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We are not only to pray FOR the sick in a prayer meeting, and in
private prayer times but we are to actively pray for them - person to
person.  We are to pray WITH the sick and afflicted.


- Call a sick person and pray together over the phone.

- Visit a sick person in the hospital.

- Read a Scriptural promise to the sick and claim it with them.

- Give a word of encouragement and comfort to the weary and infirm.

- Lay hands on the sick and pray together with 2-3 persons.

- Pray specifically together asking what they want God to do.