2020-09-02 | EVERY BELIEVER CAN PRAY FOR THE SICK
Mark 16:17 - And these signs shall follow those who believe:
Mark 16:18 – They will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.
Who is they?
According to Mark 16:17, they refers to believers in Jesus Christ.
There are no other qualifications mentioned: age, experience, how long you have been saved are not mentioned.
According to Mark 16:18, what are believers to do?
Mark 16:18 – They will lay their hands on the sick.
Why do we lay our hands upon the sick?
a. Jesus laid hands upon the sick
Mark 1:41 – Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
Luke 4:40 – When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.
Luke 13:13 – And He laid His hands on her and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
b. The early church laid hands on the sick
Acts 14:3 – Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the Word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts 28:8 – And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery, Paul went in to him and prayed and he laid his hands on him and healed him.
c. Jesus ministers His healing through us.
Jesus heals. He heals through us as we lay our hands upon the sick in faith.
2 Corinthians 4:7 – But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Even the secular medical community recognizes the healing power of touch.
What is the promise of Jesus when we lay hands on the sick in His name?
Mark 16:18 – They will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.
How do we practically fulfill this divine directive from Jesus Christ?
1. Believe the Promise of Jesus
Mark 9:23 – All things are possible to him who believes
2. Be Willing and Obedient
John 10:27 – My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
We might simply ask, would it be alright if I pray for you?
3. Before we pray, take a moment and read the Word of God.
Isaiah 53:5 – And by His stripes we are healed
Exodus 15:26 – For I am the Lord, Your Healer
Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Mark 16:18 – They will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.
4. Ask them if they mind you placing your hand upon them.
If appropriate lay your hand upon the place of affliction.
5. Begin to thank God for His Presence, His power, His healing flowing even now.
Psalm 22:3 – But You are holy, enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
6. Call on the Lord. Ask Him to heal this person in Jesus Name.
Pray for the healing power of Jesus to flow into their lives to bring healing in the name of Jesus.
Heavenly Father we thank You for Your heart to heal us and restore us. Let Your healing power flow into Your child _________________. In Jesus Name. We thank You for Your healing power flowing from the cross. We receive Your healing by faith in Jesus Name.
7. If led by the Spirit, command the sickness to leave in Jesus Name.
Cancer, I command you to leave this body in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 3:6 – In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
8. After verbal prayer you may want to just let the power of the Holy Spirit flow.
You can go back into worship or pray in the Spirit. If praying in the Spirit there may need to be a brief explanation.
9. Randy Clark encourages us to ask the person we are praying for what they are sensing.
They may sense heat, or a lessening or departure of pain. If so pray longer.
Mark 8:25 – Then He put His hands on His eyes again and made him look up. And He was restored and saw everyone clearly.
10. Encourage them to keep believing and to keep reading God’s Word and giving God thanks.
When we are alone, we get down on our knees and thank Him for working through us for His Glory.