“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.”
Acts 3:6-8
As we look back to another Healing Week (June 17-30, 2012) at the Community of the Cross, we can relate to this story from the book of Acts.
People bring their problems, illnesses and hurts.
Prayer ministers come bringing their authority to pray for healing in the name of Jesus Christ.
The result is that all have an experience of God’s love.
Often those prayed for experience healing beyond or in another area than what they expected. Over and over we see that God first of all wants to draw us all towards Him.
How Healing Week Works
We start each day with worship through music and God’s spoken Word and prayer.
Part of each day is set aside for those seeking healing to spend time one-on-one with the Lord in places set apart for that purpose.
There were stations in the house and porch focusing on each member of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Others walked the outdoor paths or spent time at the Prayer Porch, sitting on new benches at the Place of the Cross, and praying at Ascension Point or the Prayer House site.
Another part of the day was spent having a focused prayer time with a team who had been selected to pray with them.
It is lovely to see these teams come together, working in unity with each other and the Holy Spirit.
When checking in with one group after a prayer time, one of the leaders found the whole team in tears. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Nothing”, they replied. “It was just so beautiful.” They had difficulty finding words to describe what God had just done.
Who comes to Healing Week?
Many who come for prayer have little or no previous experience with PRMI.
They are encouraged by family, friends, co-workers or pastors to come.
Once here, they are very touched that people come from around the country to be part of the prayer teams and offer hospitality and loving care to them. And they are touched by God’s love.
What is the ultimate aim of this ministry?
To be instruments of God’s healing power and ultimately to bring glory to God. Once again we can relate to the story in Acts…
“When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”
Acts 3:9-10