The purpose of healing prayer is to reconcile the person to God and restore her/his identity according to God’s specifications. God says to “carry one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).

If there is a difference between who you are being and who God created you to be there will be conflict, and that conflict will cause pain.

A person exists in three interrelated and inseparable realms: spiritual, emotional, and physical. She may seek healing prayer because of a persistent need in one or more of those realms. Whether it is a physical or emotional pain, she may have exhausted her resources in traditional healing methods just like the woman Jesus healed from being subject to bleeding. Sometimes the pain cannot be traced to a specific realm since they are interrelated. An emotional trauma can find expression in the physical body, and a spiritual break in relationship can manifest itself emotionally. God heals the brokenness by restoring the person to wholeness in all three realms.

The healing prayer process involves a three-way conversation between the person, the intercessor, and the Holy Spirit. As the person and intercessor talk, the request is made for the Holy Spirit to direct the conversation as needed. The intercessor may ask Him to reveal the specific need or pain to be addressed, the source of that pain, and the truth the person must hear to be healed. When God speaks truth to the person it transforms her mind and allows her to understand her identity as God intends.

Challenges to our God-given identity come from faulty conclusions that we draw. The steps are these: 1) I observe 2) I interpret 3) I conclude 4) I choose 5) I act 6) I am. A misinterpretation or erroneous conclusion will cause me to make an unwise choice. My identity is formed by the things I believe and the actions I take as a result. For instance, a person may be called a drug addict (identity) because she uses drugs (actions) and relies on them (choices) to fill some need (conclusions).

Harm Done To Us
Trauma and abuse can be underlying reasons for broken identity. When a woman is harmed by the sinful choices of another it opens the door for misinterpretations and faulty conclusions. A woman who has been victimized may take part of the blame for what happened, or accept responsibility for something outside of her control. She may believe something to be true about herself that is in conflict with God's truth. Such beliefs as: “I'm guilty,” “I'm shameful,” or “I'm unlovable” will negatively influence every interpretation and conclusion, leading to pain.
God brings the truth to the woman through healing prayer. Such truths as: “I have washed you,” “I accept you,” or “I love you” provide a new frame of reference, leading to healing and peace. There may be an act of obedience indicated by the Holy Spirit during this type of prayer session, such as the woman forgiving the one who hurt her. As she releases the sin against her, she is able to receive the new truth that frees her.

Harmful Choices We Make
Sinful choices will put a person's identity in conflict with God's design. These choices can come from the rebellious spirit of the sinful nature, or from being deceived by the evil one. A false identity is more susceptible to harmful choices, even when that identity is the result of harm done to the person. For instance, a person that has been abused may not have healthy boundaries. From that position of vulnerability they make a series of destructive decisions. The actions that follow form a sinful identity, and pain ensues.

God brings the truth to the person through healing prayer. A new way of seeing things, a new image of who she is in Christ, and an understanding of acceptability are often descriptions of the new truth given. There may be an act of obedience indicated by the Holy Spirit in this type of prayer session as well, such as the person confessing her sin and asking for forgiveness. As she feels the release of the guilt, she is able to accept the new truth that sets her free.

Hearing from God
Healing prayer is an act of faith, and hearing from God is the response. The intercessor prays for guidance and truth, knowing that God desires to answer that request specifically and tangibly. God fulfills His promises when we trust Him to do so. We ask God, and then confidently wait for His answer.

Most of the time the intercessor will ask God to reveal His truth to the one requesting healing. God will speak to her in words, thoughts, pictures, or feelings. When this happens the truth is more readily received by the heart of the person. For instance, a friend or trusted adviser may tell someone she is not guilty since she has asked for forgiveness. Even when the person believes it in her mind, she may not know it to be true in her heart. However, if God reveals to her the truth of her forgiveness, it will be received.

Healing prayer ministry is an exciting calling. Intercession is meaningful participation in what God is doing as He renews the mind and transforms the identity of His created child. The role of the intercessor is to be a witness, to give testimony to the healing, and to join in giving glory to God.

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Jules Tadema and Calvin Tadema, pastor and church leader, offer healing prayer through their ministry Masters Mind Ministry, www.mastersmindministry.org