Prayer Ministry Guidelines

These are the Guidelines and the 5 step Vineyard model, which we use when praying for each other.

Who can pray?
Everyone who has completed the Prayer Ministry Training or who is authorised by a Community Leader

What are we aiming at?
a. To ensure that those who receive prayer ministry do so in a safe, appropriate way.
b. To minister with integrity, confidentiality and mercy, placing a high value on the dignity of the individual.
c. To facilitate an encounter with the love and power of God

General Guidelines
a. Familiarise yourself with the 5 STEP MODEL outlined overleaf
b. Pray in pairs wherever possible. It is okay to join a person already being prayed for.
c. Only pray for those of the same sex, unless ministering as a mixed pair.
d. When appropriate move on to pray for others.
e. Some ministry such as deliverance may be better carried out as part of the follow up.
f. If young children come for prayer find out who they have come with and only pray with them in the presence of this person.

Practical Guidelines
a. Some people fall or exhibit physical manifestations.
b. Encourage those who fall to stay there and continue to receive. Continue to pray over them or at least periodically return to pray.
c. Other manifestations may occur. These are not necessary to have a real and meaningful meeting with God. Pray equally faithfully for those who do not exhibit any physical signs.
d. There are tissues available
e. There are experienced leaders to offer any assistance you may require. Don’t hesitate to consult them if you are unsure about anything

FIVE STEP HEALING MODEL:

Here are Five Steps based on a series of questions helping to evaluate what to do next and how effective the ministry is at that point.

STEP 1: Interview: (Matthew 20:32)
What do you need Jesus to do for you?
Ask the person’s name & what they want Jesus to do. Listen to the Holy Spirit
Do they want to start following Jesus?
Do they want to be forgiven?
Do they want to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Do they want to be healed?

STEP 2: Cause: (John 4:18)
Are there issues that need to be addressed?
Discern between Emotional, Spiritual, Demonic or Physical issues.
Where appropriate invite confession and repentance.

STEP 3: Prayer: (Mark 7:32)
How should I pray?
Invite the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Thank God where there is repentance and faith
Give assurance of forgiveness and God’s acceptance
Ask God for emotional or physical healing as appropriate
Lay on hands (Mark 16:18)); appropriately and ask first.

STEP 4: Assessment: (Mark 8:22)
What’s happening?
Observe the person (pray with your eyes open)
Ask the person “What’s happening?”
Continue to listen to the Holy Spirit.
Go back to the previous steps if necessary.

STEP 5: Follow up: (John 5:14)
How do I finish ministering?
Stop immediately the Holy Spirit or the person indicates
Affirm them and encourage them to follow Christ.
Encourage further prayer where necessary.
Encourage follow up with an Accountability Partner
Emphasise LIFESHAPES and the ‘Learning Circle’