[Based on the book, Just a Taste of Heaven - click here for more information]
Healing in Practice A Doctrinal FoundationDoctrine is vitally important because what we believe about healing will determine how we pray for the sick. If what we have argued so far is correct, then an appropriate doctrinal basis for praying for the sick would seem to be as follows:
God has revealed himself as a healing God in both Old and New Testaments. Jesus never refused anyone who asked for healing and he has commissioned his church to heal the sick. Healings should accompany the proclamation of the Gospel as signs confirming the Word and Christians should expect healing through the anointing with oil and prayer of the elders.
Our approach to healing should, therefore, be positive and not negative. However, I have already pointed out, we must avoid extremes of teaching where healing is presented so positively that those who are not healed feel condemned. This is particularly true when the doctrine that healing is in the atonement is presented in such a way that healing is seen as being precisely parallel to the forgiveness of sins. Healing which does not take place immediately should be perseveringly expected, even if we must sometimes await the Parousia for its fulfilment.
Biblical Models 1) Laying on of hands (e.g. Mark 16)Note here:
The evangelistic context - healing here is just one of several signs that confirm the Gospel message
The need for faith on the part of the one doing the healing
The significance of the Name of Jesus
The absence of any reference to prayer
2) Anointing with oil (e.g. James 5 - but cf. Mark 6:13)Note here:
The pastoral context
The need for faith on the part of the elders
The significance of the Name of the Lord
The specific reference to prayer
3) Other methodsThe NT provides several examples of other methods of healing (e.g. Jesus’ use of saliva) but these should probably not be used within the context of our society today! He did however heal by a mere command without the laying on of hands, as did the apostles on occasion.
Practical SuggestionsGenerally speaking, you will minister healing either in a pastoral context or in an evangelistic context. Since healing comes through the Spirit it is vital that we maintain a Spirit-filled life. There are no ‘rules’ about how we pray for the sick, but the Holy Spirit will lead us if we allow him to. However, there are some practical guidelines:
1) Anointing with oilGenerally, I would reserve this for Christians and would suggest that the anointing is done by the elders as a whole and not just by one of them. A man on his own should certainly not visit a lone woman to pray for her
The type of oil used is not important (I once used ‘3 in 1’!).
The amount of oil used is not important.
There is no reference to laying on of hands in James 5, but neither is it forbidden.
The important issue is, can you pray for this person in faith?
Is confession of sins appropriate in this case?
Note that this would normally have taken place in the home of the sick person if I have understood the context of James 5 correctly.
2) Laying on of handsThis should usually be done in an evangelistic context - but this need not mean in a ‘Gospel Meeting’ or a ‘Divine Healing Crusade’. It could be in a supermarket! But note the importance of being led by the Spirit in this matter. You should probably no more pray for the sick without the leading of the Spirit than you should prophesy without his leading!
Is there a case for helping a person move in faith? (Consider Acts 3:7)
Does it matter which part of the person’s body you lay hands on? The answer to this will depend on the cultural context. If it’s appropriate, I lay hands on the affected part (cf. Jesus putting his fingers in the ears of the deaf), unless this would cause unnecessary embarrassment! In some cases, I have asked the sick person to place their hand upon the affected part and then placed my hand on theirs. But there are no ‘rules’ about this. We must be sensitive to the Spirit and to people’s feelings.
