Power Words of the Spirit

Week 5 – Healing Prayer

“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:1

Focus

This series, Power Words of the Spirit, builds on our church-wide study of the Gospel of Mark by exploring how we can follow Jesus not only in character, but also in the way He operated in the gifts of the Spirit.

Jesus spoke words of wisdom, knowledge, healing, prophecy, and love—always with the aim of revealing the Father and building up others.

Study by: Scott Button
Sermons related to each study can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel

1. Look Back

Sharing Our Journey | 10–20 minutes

Praise, Thanks, and Encouraging Accountability

Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below.
(This can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song.)

• Have you found yourself doing things differently as you engage with or serve others lately?
  For example: with a different level of love, confidence, or faith
• How has the Holy Spirit used you lately to bless someone else by the use of a gift of the Spirit?
  OR
• What are you thankful for?
• Where have you seen God at work?
• How has God used you?
• How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering?
• Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus?
• Has anything happened in the lives of those on your relational map who are far from God?
  (See the Relational Map Video)

Care

• Share any concerns you have for yourself or others.

Pray

• In prayer, capture the things you have shared.

2. Look Up

Opening God’s Word | 20–40 minutes

Setting the Scene

Jesus healed multitudes of people, the Gospels tell us.

In Acts 10:38, Peter recounts:

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.”

The gifts of healing are a continuation of the ministry of Jesus.

In Isaiah 53 the prophet explains the saving work of the Messiah, which we now know is what Jesus won for us on the cross.

Read

• Isaiah 53:4–5
• Matthew 8:16–17
• Mark 6:6–13
• John 20:19–22
• Acts 3:1–8

Discuss:

• What are the common threads through these passages?
• What are the implications and encouragements for those who follow Jesus?

Read

• 1 Corinthians 12:7–8

Discuss:

• Does anyone in the group have the gift of healing, or wonder if they have it? Share experiences and how you use the gift.
• Has anyone experienced or witnessed healing through the ministry of another Christian with the gift of healing? Share your story.
• What fears may people face when using this gift, and how would we counter those fears?

Practice

Take time now to pray for anyone in the group who needs healing.
If no one in the group needs healing, pray for people known to group members who do.

Suggested process:

1. Ask the person what they need healing for, or what outcome they would like prayer for.
2. Have them sit in a chair in the middle and allow group members to gather around to pray.
   • Gently lay hands on their shoulder if appropriate.
   • (If praying for someone not present, skip to step 3).
3. Begin by praying: “Come Holy Spirit.”
   • Spend a minute or two listening to the Holy Spirit.
   • He may give a word for the person or guidance on how to pray.
4. After two minutes, pause and ask:
   • Did anyone receive something to share?
   • Does it resonate with the person being prayed for?
   • If it’s a word, share it.
   • If it’s direction on how to pray, let that guide you.
   • If nothing, that’s okay.
5. Begin to pray for healing.
   • Pray faith-filled, God-sized prayers.
   • Avoid phrases like “please God just” or “if it is your will.”
   • Encourage people to listen to the Holy Spirit as they pray.
6. Pause again after a while and ask:
   • The person being prayed for: Are you experiencing anything? How are you feeling?
   • The group: Are you experiencing anything? Has the Holy Spirit given guidance or a word?
7. If sharing leads to more prayer, repeat the process.
   If not, finish there.

3. Look Forward

Living out God’s Word | 10 minutes

• What have you learnt through God’s Word and/or through praying for people that you can put into practice as you live out being a follower of Jesus and loving others into the future?

Share with the group or in pairs.
Close by praying for opportunities to live this out in the week ahead.

Contacts

If you would like more information or further help please contact:
scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au