5 STEP PRAYER MODEL
Acts 28:7-8 (NIV)
There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island [of Malta]. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.
Simple Version
Here’s a simple model to follow when praying for someone. This is only a model and not a magic formula.
1. ASK
“How can I pray for you?” or “What would you like Jesus to do for you?” Listen well and it may be helpful to reflect back their request. “So you’re asking for ….”
2. INVITE
Ask the Father/Jesus/Holy Spirit to come and to show His presence and love to the person you’re praying for. Let the person know that you’ll pause for a moment to just be still. This gives space and time for the person to experience God’s presence personally and for you to listen for direction from the Spirit. Be okay with a bit of silence. Your comfort will make them comfortable.
3. PRAY
Pray for what the person has requested. Pray as the Holy Spirit leads. If appropriate, lay hands on the person. Generally, keep your prayer short and sweet. And don’t preach through your prayer. Just pray.
Note that the prayers that Jesus and the early church prayed were usually quite short and direct. In fact, in many ways, they were more declarations, even commands, than prayers, such as, “In Jesus’ name, medical condition be healed” or “In Jesus’ name, demon come out.” Jesus has authorized us to use His name boldly and compassionately for His Kingdom.
Pray something like this: “Lord, thank You for Your loving presence and Your healing power. I pray that You would heal _____’s knee. Knee, be healed in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
4. CHECK
Ask, “What’s happening?” or “What’s God doing?” For example, if the person asked for prayer for their knee, you could ask them how it’s feeling or how the level of pain is now or if they can do something they couldn’t do before. If the person asked for prayer for wisdom in some life decision, you could ask if they are getting any thoughts that may be helpful. If the person asked for a breakthrough in some relationship, you could ask if they are getting any ideas on how to seek reconciliation. If the person asked for help in overcoming some trauma or addiction, you could ask if they are experiencing any new hope.
After checking, you may want to return to prayer, thanking the Lord for what He is doing and asking Him to continue to do more.
5. NEXT?
Ask, “What’s next?” What about getting together again to pray? Does the person know Jesus? How could you introduce them to Jesus? Could you invite the person out for coffee? How about inviting them to church? How can you use this prayer encounter as an opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with them and possible discipleship to Jesus?
Original Version
This video covers the original version of the Vineyard 5 Step Prayer Model.