Jay Baylor asked these questions at an introductory workshop on “Healing Prayer” that he presented at Central Presbyterian last fall. The workshop included a morning of sharing beliefs and experiences of healing, lunch with fellow Christians and an afternoon of group “listening” prayer for those in need.
After the workshop, several participants expressed interest in learning more about the process, so we invited Jay, the U.S. Coordinator for Restoring Hope/Trauma Healing with the American Bible Society, to return to offer a full 15-hour training. Starting in April, Jay led a group of about 35 people through his training over the course of 10 weeks, providing further instruction and encouragement in how to employ Healing Prayer.
Healing Prayer is a relational form of prayer grounded in a vision for healing found in Isaiah 61:1-3 (see below). Fulfilled by Jesus, this vision extends to the whole of a person-–mind, body and heart. Healing Prayer ministry operates on the belief that as followers of Jesus, we are given the authority and power to continue His ministry today, bringing emotional and physical healing and deliverance to individuals in the Church.
Recommended resources include “ConnectUp: Emotional Healing Prayer Ministry Manual” by Katie and Mitch Luse. Jay also provided us with handouts and information throughout the seminar.
Central Presbyterian Church is looking to further equip a team of Healing Prayer Ministers in the coming year. Individuals included will be those who attended this training (Level 1) and feel called to be part of a team regularly exercising this type of ministry. Part of the instruction includes practice intervention with 2 or more prayer partners serving those asking for prayer. Jay will be leading hands-on instruction in the coming weeks to facilitate this training.
The date for the follow-up training (Level 2) for those individuals who have completed the first 10 weeks will be a Saturday workshop on September 19 at Church of the Resurrection. This workshop will be only for those who completed Level 1. Contact Sarah Sanderson for more information at 2315sanderson@gmail.com.
Jay’s background includes work as a youth pastor, Young Life Area Director, House Church leader, Multiethnic Anglican Church Planter, and Bible Teacher and Equipper in Healing Prayer and Trauma Healing in the local area. He is married and is the father of three children. To find out more, contact Jay at jaysbaylor@gmail.com.
The guiding verses for Healing Prayer are from Isaiah 61:1-3
