DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL HOSPITAL MINISTRY
FAITH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
INTERNATIONAL CHURCH, INC.
TULSA, OKLAHOMA
VISITING THE SICK
“I was sick, and ye visited me . . .” JESUS CHRIST
Jesus considered visiting the sick so important that he listed it as one of the five deeds performed by His faithful sheep in Matthew 25:31-46. He also named it as one of the five deeds ignored by the unfaithful goats before sending them to everlasting fire and punishment in the company of the devil and his angels.
Visitation of the sick is one of the most effective ways to comfort and bless others in their need. It comes from the very heart and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus empowered us to be living extensions of God’s healing love to the sick in hospitals, nursing homes and in our communities.
This manual offers practical tips and guidelines for ministry to the sick. We pray this material will enrich your life and increase your effectiveness in ministry to the hurting.
WHY VISIT THE SICK?
According to Webster, one meaning of “to visit” is “to come to or upon as a spiritual help.” Christians visit the sick to meet needs,
never to fulfill mere social obligations or protocol. Visiting the sick is more than simply visiting the hospital or nursing home. It is a mission to supply spiritual help to a person in need.
Many times, a sick person’s needs go deeper than physical problems. The real issue may be isolation, fear, rejection, hurt, self-
pity, or ignorance. Therefore, the ministry of an anointed Christian visitor is often more beneficial than a doctor’s visit or medication (not that either of these are wrong or ineffective). The Spirit of God uses the visit to touch the human condition beyond the reach of medical skill or prescriptions in these cases.
Jesus endorses and even requires us to visit the sick.
The first and foremost reason to visit the sick is because Jesus says to. In Matthew 25:35-46, He clearly teaches that this type of
spiritual help is a Christian’s duty. This act of mercy gives proof of our love for God. Love is always the test. The quality of our love for God is proven by our willingness to serve and obey Him. (Jn. 21:17.) In other words, SHEEP DO IT, GOATS DON’T.
We can encourage and refresh the sick and afflicted.
Visitors enliven the often dull world of the sickroom. The sick person’s world is usually limited to the four walls of a sickroom, a
sterile hospital room, or a shared room in a nursing home. The people who enter that world are often limited to family members and medical personnel. A visitor from the larger, outside world brings encouragement and freshness. Even a short visit communicates love and an attitude that says, “I care enough to come, to show you that God loves you and so do I.”
A compassionate listener often relieves inner turmoil in the sick.In many cases, the best way to serve the sick is simply to listen. Sick people constantly battle with anxiety, fear, doubt and confusion. They need an outlet to openly express their emotions. For instance, impending surgery and its possible outcome haunts many people. The fear of pain or adverse test results causes anxiety in many hospital patients. Sharing these fears and anxieties with a compassionate listener will relieve inner turmoil.
Sickness isolates people. Nobody likes being sick. It forces an energetic person from a full, busy life to one of inactivity, weakness
and solitude. Sick people can become very lonely. They may feel deserted by family and friends and cut off from the mainstream of life. A caring visitor will alleviate feelings of emptiness and loneliness. The compassionate visitor brings warmth and love to an ill person. Sharing the love of Jesus eases many a troubled heart. A personal visit shows nothing can separate the believer from God’s love.
When a Christian visitor enters a sick room, he or she demonstrates to the patient that nothing can separate anyone from the
love of God (Romans 8:38). The faith of that patient is strengthened because he sees the reality of God. God is a very present help in a time of need (Psalms 46:1).
Compassion is always the motivating force behind ministry to the sick. Compassion should guide your heart as you walk in the love of God. Jesus was moved by compassion to minister to the multitudes (Matthew 15:32).
Be sure to comfort the sick with God’s timeless Word, and with gentle exhortations of faith, not personal experience. A story about your experiences during an appendectomy five years ago may generate fear, doubt and unbelief, or simple weariness in the sick person. Psalms 107:20 says, “He sent His word, and healed them.” Unless the Holy Spirit specifically directs, stay away from personal experience and share the living Word of God. The anointing renews faith and overcomes the fear of death.
In the case of severe, life-threatening illness a person’s faith can either be weakened or strengthened. If he feels deserted by God, he may express this during the visit. Listen attentively. Let him pour out his heart. The Greater One living within you will always have right words to say and the correct time to say them. Obtain permission to call a pastor to counsel the patient if you feel led. Don’t delay. This person needs help.
Be sensitive to the Spirit in situations like this. It’s vital that any doubts, fears, and anxieties be put to rest. Then the patient
can be renewed and made aware of the presence of God. The visitor, compelled by compassion and anointed by the Holy Spirit can help at this critical time.
The dying patient needs to know that God is with him. In some cases, the person may make a conscious choice to go home to the Lord. Another, through lack of knowledge of God’s Word, may die a premature or untimely death.
If the patient needs to talk, then listen without interrupting. You may be God’s messenger of mercy with a timely word that brings life and rebukes death. Jesus Christ often asked the sick and afflicted what they wanted from God before He acted. He listened patiently to adult and child alike. Surely we can do likewise. Any act of kindness (even if it’s sitting in silence) is appreciated. A faithful ambassador brings healing.
A person of faith believes that Jesus heals. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This same Jesus is alive today, healing the sick as in Bible times. In our generation, the Body of Christ acts in His place. We are His hands, His feet and His mouth. When visiting the sick, always ask permission to share healing scriptures. Reaffirm God’s desire to restore good health! Remember, a faithful ambassador brings healing (Prov. 13:17).
Prepare a handy typewritten list of healing scriptures with references to leave with each person you visit. That is the most powerful prescription for health and victory available to man. Visiting the sick builds relationships.
Whenever we reach out and touch others with Jesus’ love, He always draws people into a vital relationship with Him. This is one
reason Pastors should be diligent to visit their sheep if they are sick. This strengthens the pastor/member relationship.
We have dealt mainly with the concept of ministering to the sick through prayer. This is not meant to neglect the purely social visits, both types are important. But the visitor should ask the question: “What would Jesus do?”
WHO SHOULD VISIT THE SICK?
All Christians. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus taught that visiting the sick was not a ministerial function only. All members of the Body of Christ should visit the sick. Jesus set the example by His ministry. In fact, He spent more time ministering to the sick than preaching.
Visiting and ministering to the sick is a New Testament commission. Mark 16:15-20 records the last words that Jesus spoke to
believers on the earth: “These signs shall follow them that believe. . . In my Name. . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. . .”
Pastors should always visit the sick in their congregation or see to it that they are visited by able ministers in the church. As elders, they should always try to be available for those who call as in James 5:14-18. The pastor should teach the congregation to keep him informed of their needs.
Many times a sick person needs to feel the love of God in a tangible way. Pastors have a supernatural anointing to represent Jesus
to their congregation and to people in general. A sick person’s faith may be greatly inspired by a Pastor’s prayers and words of faith.
When a pastor is led by the Sprit of God as he walks the hospital corridors, God may lead him to someone’s room who really needs prayer, although this person may not be a member of his church. The sensitive Pastor is open to the Spirit’s leading.
God never meant for the local Pastor to carry this ministry exclusively. Galatians 6:2 and 10 says we, the Body of Christ
(individually as well as corporately) are to bear one another’s burdens. The wise pastor mobilizes his congregation to function as a unit and fulfill Jesus’ commission. He not only motivates people to visit the sick, but points out God’s promises and provides resources to assist them.
Elders and Deacons are specifically directed by the Word of God to visit the sick. In Acts 6 the first deacons were chosen. They were honest men full of wisdom and the Holy Ghost. The Apostles appointed them to certain practical and spiritual duties concerning the church.Stephen was one of the first deacons named in Acts. He was full of faith and God used him to perform many miracles among the people.
James 5:13-14 says those who are sick should call for the elders of the church and let them pray the prayer of faith, anointing the sick with oil and they shall be healed and forgiven of their sins.
The offices of Elder and Deacon have been ordained by God. Because they are called of God, their office carries an anointing and
an authority. God wants to use elders and deacons powerfully in the ministry of healing the sick.
People who operate in the supernatural gifts of healing mentioned in I Corinthians 12 should pray for the sick. Many churches which believe in divine healing will have certain individuals in their congregation whom God uses in the supernatural ministry of healing the sick. If you feel drawn to this ministry area, find out if your church has a hospital outreach. There you will be taught the scriptural way to use your gift. Paul said God does things decently and in order; that should be our way also (I Cor. 14:40).
WHEN PLANNING A VISIT
Ask About Visiting Hours. Call the hospital or healthcare facility about their visiting hours. God often uses hospitals to help heal the sick. After all, medical technology and healing has its origin in Him. Be considerate of the patient, the hospital and the medical staff. A very ill patient may have limited visiting hours. There are often special hours for visitation by family members and licensed or ordained clergy.
Avoid Visiting During Mealtime. Sick people need nourishment and a visit during a meal could detract the patient from eating. A visit during mealtimes can be an inconvenience, especially if the patient is too ill to feed himself and a family member has to feed him.
Visit Prior To Surgery, But Not Immediately After. A visit before a scheduled surgery will be comforting. However, if a close family member is present, it is best to stay just a moment to convey the thought, “I’m thinking of you and am praying for a successful outcome.”
Following surgery, it is best to wait and visit on the second or even the third day. Surgery patients are often still under the effects of the anesthetic or in a great deal of pain on the first day. In cases of serious surgery, even a visit on the third day should be brief. Let consideration of the patient be the top priority.
Keep it short! A visit of 10-20 minutes is ample. A steady stream of visitors can be very tiring for the sick. Convey love and concern, then leave.
If the patient will be in the hospital or nursing home for an extended period of time, the length of the visit can be longer.
How many visitors? The medical profession generally agrees that two or three persons in a room is enough. Depending on the condition of the patient only one visitor may be allowed.
Before the Visit, Ask The Lord to Meet the Needs of the Patient. A man has limited knowledge of the patient’s mental, physical and spiritual needs. But God is omnipotent. He knows everything and is everywhere. The Holy Spirit will be the leader and guide. Read John 15-16. It defines the Holy Spirit’s role in helping one bring life to the patient.
Understand Medical Equipment & Staff Procedures. Walking into a hospital room and seeing a person hooked up to various machines can be frightening. Usually, the equipment is used for routine procedures and doesn’t mean anything unusual. Some standard procedures to be aware of include intravenous feedings which provide nourishment through a blood vein; and catheters (inserted tubes) which help remove urine and other body fluids. Don’t be alarmed when you see this equipment; it is helping the patient.
Be careful not to touch or accidentally bump anything. Sometimes tubes can be dislodged if disturbed and cause discomfort to the
patient. If a machine is accidentally disturbed, contact the nurse at once.
Be careful not to move bedside tables that have water and other items on it. Never give a patient water or any other liquid without the nurse’s permission, even if the patient requests them.
HOW TO VISIT
1. Knock quietly before entering the room. Let your presence be known.
2. Observe all signs: No smoking, wear face masks, etc. The signs are there for a reason to protect the patient and you. If a nurse-call light is on over the door, contact the nurses. Wait until they give you permission to enter.
3. Enter the room with a confident smile. Don’t bring personal problems into the room.
4. Introduce yourself to the patient and any family members present. If the visitor is a family friend, a warm “Hello” is sufficient.
5. Position yourself about midway down the length of the patient’s bed. Get close enough for the patient to easily see you, but not close enough to disturb the patient’s comfort.
6. Sit in a chair to give greater eye contact if possible. Never sit on the bed. Never lower or raise the bed without the nurse’s permission.
7. If the patient touches you, respond with a gentle and warm touch. Remember, the patient may be in pain.
8. Do not smoke. Smoke may irritate a patient’s eyes or throat.
9. Avoid mannerisms such as coin jingling, gum chewing or tapping fingers. Sick people are extremely conscious of sounds, and even little sounds may seem greatly magnified.
10. If the patient needs a bed pan, you may need to get assistance. Always leave the room to protect the patient’s sense of modesty and dignity while the medical staff assists them.
Voice Modulation
1. Never talk in a loud, brash tone. This irritates the patient and disturbs others.
2. Talk in a quiet, gentle tone. You’re speaking to a patient who is only two feet away, not to the nurses’ station down the hall.
3. Be a good listener. Since a sick person’s voice may be weak, he or she may talk in a low tone. Be an attentive listener so the patient won’t have to repeat anything.
4. Don’t whisper to the patient or to others in the room. This may alarm the patient and bring thoughts such as: “There’s something wrong with me that I don’t know about.”
5. Don’t laugh if the patient is gravely ill. A smile conveys love and concern, but laughter may offend the patient or the family (they probably don’t think it’s a very joyous occasion). Take your cue from the patient. It is disrespectful to laugh in some situations.
6. Focus your attention on the sick person. Don’t visit with others in the room except the usual polite “Hello” or “How are you doing?”
Keep Your Conversation Right
1. Talk about what the patient wishes to talk about.
2. Allow the patient to be candid and share from his or her heart. This isn’t the time to debate opposing opinions.
3. Show kind, loving, Godly behavior. This will have a bigger impact than any spoken words. Religion can be a very emotional issue with some people. You are an ambassador of peace. Everything should be done to calm and uplift an ill person. Don’t go in with an evangelical attitude and preach a sermon on the saving and healing grace of Jesus. If the patient isn’t a Christian, this behavior may separate him further from Jesus.
4. If the patient seems uneasy and unwilling to talk, leave.
5. If the patient is recovering well, offer them news from the outside world. If not, don’t chatter aimlessly.
6. Silence is golden. Don’t be afraid of silence. The patient may just want to hold your hand and be comforted. Let the patient set the tone of the visit.
7. Don’t state any opinions, experiences or attitudes about the illness. If the patient asks, “Do you think I have cancer?” or “Do you
suppose I may need surgery?” avoid answering the question. Even if you know the answer, direct the patient to the doctor. Some appropriate responses are : “Have you asked the doctor?” or “Are you concerned and anxious?” or “May I pray with you?”
ENDING THE VISIT
1. Keep your visit short. Don’t tire the patient.
2. Keep your promises. Never promise to return, if that’s not possible. This will avoid disappointing the patient.
3. End the visit with prayer. The Holy Spirit has the right words. Always ask permission before praying. Many times, Christians hesitate to pray for the sick because they believe they lack faith. Do the following: 1) Ask the sick for permission to pray; 2) Obey the great commission and lay hands on the sick. The rest is up to God. It is God’s part to do the healing. Have faith that God will honor obedience to His Word.
4. When visiting more than one patient at a time, find a public restroom and wash your hands before entering another patient’s room. The Lord approves this as an extra degree of thoughtfulness.
YOU ARE AN AMBASSADOR
An ambassador is sent to represent another. The Bible says a faithful ambassador brings healing. (Prov. 13:17.)
As Christ’s ambassador, you bring His message of love, compassion and healing to the sick. Jesus commissioned believers to visit the sick, to lay hands on them and ask God to heal them. (Mark 16, Matthew 25).
The patient should always see God’s love in you. Don’t be offended if the patient refuses prayer. Don’t judge, you’re there to serve Christ, not challenge anyone’s beliefs.
On the other hand, when the patient agrees, pray in all faith that God will touch them. Never, under any circumstances, try to get a patient to walk out of a wheel chair or leave a hospital bed. These actions are clearly unwise. They bring reproach on the church and alienate the medical staff. The will of God never causes strife.
Don’t give false assurances to the gravely ill patient. If he or she looks awful, don’t walk in with a cheery smile and say, “You look
great.” Don’t say anything. Most people are aware of a great change in their body when they are sick. Having visitors register shock on their faces when seeing the ill person only causes further anguish.
Be sincere and compassionate with the sick. These are the keys to successful hospital visitation. Be sincere and compassionate with the sick. The Bible says laugh with those who laugh and mourn with those who mourn. Don’t be afraid to let the patient cry; tears are an honest, healing response and they need to fall at times.
An extended hand and a merciful, loving, and faithful heart are the requirements for this ministry. Can Jesus count on you to fulfill His will in this area? Are you willing to commit yourself to this calling? If your church doesn’t have an organized outreach, the following suggestions may help you.
ORGANIZATION OF HOSPITAL MINISTRY
A. Hospital Ministry Coordinator
1. Is responsible for the operation of the hospital ministry.
2. Recruits and trains workers in this departments in coordination with the programs and guidelines of local hospitals and institutions.
3. Serves as liason between the pastoral staff and the workers in this ministry. Communicates the desires of the Pastoral staff to the workers.
4. Serves as liason between the church and the area hospitals. Develops and administers visitation guidelines for the church worker as stipulated by the hospital administrators.
5. Gathers and coordinates all requests for visits from the church office and delegates responsibilities to the workers.
6. Files a monthly report with the pastoral staff on all the visits and their results.
B. Licensed or Ordained Hospital Ministers
1. These persons are trained to properly perform all functions of Hospital visitation as the Pastor’s representatives. They are directly under the hospital ministry coordinator. They make visits as assigned by the Hospital ministry coordinator.
2. They provide monthly reports to the ministry on all their visits during the month.
C. Lay Hospital Visitors
1. These persons are trained in the basic functions of hospital visitation, but will only make visits as assigned by the hospital
ministry coordinator.
2. They will maintain a monthly log reporting all visitation activities during the month to the hospital coordinators.
SUMMARY
Remember the role of a visitor is a supportive one. Encourage, support and listen! The church is a fellowship designed by God to bring light to a dark world. Be a part of the light and participate in this vital ministry.
HOW TO MINISTER HEALING TO THE SICK
“Before anyone can have a steadfast faith for healing of their body, they must be rid of all uncertainty concerning God’s will in the
matter. Appropriating faith cannot go beyond one’s knowledge of the revealed will of God. Before attempting to exercise faith for healing, one needs to know what the scriptures plainly teach, that it is just as much God’s will to heal the body as it is to heal the soul:’F. F. Bosworth
THERE ARE THREE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS TO DIVINE HEALING:
1. A receptive ear.
2. A receptive eye.
3. A receptive heart.
GET TO KNOW THE PERSON:
1. The sick can not act on God’s Word in faith until they know what God’s will is. (Romans 10:17)
2. Identify yourself and ask the person if you may pray for them and share some brief scripture passages.
3. If they object, do not strive with them. But if they say yes, then plant the seed of God’s love and His Word in them.
4. Use scripture to build faith and create agreement for prayer:
a) Pray, then read some scriptures which build faith (see chapter in back of this handbook
b) You must plant the seed that it is God’s will to heal the sick.
c) It is not planted until it is known, received and believed.
d) This seed must remain planted and be kept watered before it can produce a harvest.
FOLLOW UP TO MAKE SURE THE SEED IS PLANTED:
1. Teach the sick God’s Word instead of focusing on simply praying the prayer of faith.
2. Reinforce the Word in their hearts and minds: “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities and healeth all thine diseases:’
3. Teach them that healing and health come by attending unto God’s Word.
a) Proverbs 4:20-22
b) Notice, a person must find and attend to the words of God which produce healing. It matters not to God what the symptoms of unhealthy flesh are: cancer, goiter, tumors, etc.
c) The way to find and attend to God’s Word is “incline thine ear to my sayings, let them not depart from thy eyes, and keep them in the midst of thine heart:’
d) Healing comes when the Word keeps going into the ears, before the eyes and dwells in the midst of the heart.
4. Help them maintain faith and healing!
a) Faith is determined two ways:
1. What we believe in our heart (Mark 11:22-24)
2. What we confess with our mouth (Romans 10:8-10)
Since life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverb 6:2, 18:20), we must speak out the good things we believe in our heart (Matthew 12:35-37).
b) We overcome Satan by the Word of our testimony (Matthew 4:1-11; and Revelations 12:11).
INSIGHTS TO PRAYER
Praying For The Sick
Ask questions to discover the real problem.
1. Why are they sick? When did the sickness begin?
2. Look for signs of self-abuse, disobedience, immorality, rebellion, unforgiveness, etc.
3. Discern by the Spirit of God, through love.
Ask if you can read some scripture and pray.
1. After they agree, proceed.
2. Tell the patient about prayer with the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil (Mark 16:15-19; James 5:14-15).
3. Pray the Word-not the problem.
When leaving . . .
1. Conclude your conversation by telling them you have to go, and thank them.
2. Ask if you may visit them again.
3. Let the nurses’ station know you’re leaving. A simple “Thank you” isusually enough.
Prayer For Surgery Patients
Enter the hospital prayed up.
Follow these simple guidelines upon arrival.
1. Go to the front desk.
2. Inform the receptionist on the proper floor level:
a) who you are.
b) Whom you represent.
c) Whom you wish to see.
d) Ask directions to the room.
e) Ask what condition the patient is in.
3. Remember to arrive early before surgery preparation so the family and patient are aware of your presence. (Unexpected emergencies are obvious exceptions here).
Be sensitive to the patient and family members.
1. They are aware that you will take advantage of any opportunity to encourage, serve and uphold.
2. Smile, be kind. Give comfort and assurance through your love and seasoned words.
3. Encourage with a scripture (see list in the back of this handbook under the topics of love, peace, comfort and deliverance).
4. Pray with the patient and family briefly.
a) For God’s strength, with assurance of the Word.
b) For the doctors, medical staff and tools; that all would be used with God’s wisdom.
c) For a rapid, speedy recovery.
Stay at the hospital with the family.
1. Your presence is important to the family during surgery.
2. If you must leave, tell them of your continued prayers and support, and give them your phone number.
3. Check in again if you leave.
4. Return to the family and patient as soon as possible and remain with them as much and as long as you can.
Praying With A Dying Patient
Ask if you can be alone with the patient.
Don’t acknowledge to them that they are dying unless you’re positive they already know.
Share the fact that Jesus made preparation for death.
1. Psalm 23; Psalm 91; Psalm 8:31; Psalm 27:1.
Share God’s resources to prepare for death if they’re unsaved.
1. Right relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. Share the scriptures (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; and Romans 10:8-10).
Speak of the action the dying person must take.
Pray a prayer of assurance with them (1 John 5: 11-13).
Praying With Mental Patients
1. Ask to be alone with patient.
2. Control the conversation. Don’t allow the patient to ramble.
3. Listen to them share their problems as you control the conversation by questions.
4. Do not allow yourself to be moved by foul odors, improper apparel, ungodly advances, or by their emotional displays.
5. Be bold – Recognize demonic activity when it’s present.
6. Be aware that they generally do not trust you.
7. Keep in mind that you are their “go-between” between them and God. Your spirit, your sound mind, becomes a channel through which God can break down their mental block.
8. Pray-rebuke the devil with the authority of Jesus’ Name.
9. In mental wards, visit the person you came to see. If others desire help, tell them you will come back at a later time. If you agree to come, then get the necessary permission and information from the nurse before you return.
10. Regard the caution light-before leaving your phone number with any mental patient.
11. Be sure to check out with the nurses’ station and front desk when you leave. Again, a thank you is usually sufficient.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Discuss the importance of compassion when visiting the sick.
2. Why did Jesus instruct us to visit the Sick?
3. What are some of the most important things to remember when visiting the sick? Why are they important?
SAMPLE HOSPITAL & VISITATION SCRIPTURE SELECTIONS HEALING & HEALTH
1 Peter 2:24 (Christ) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness : by whose stripes ye were healed.
Psalms 103:2-3
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all they diseases.
Proverbs 4: 20-22
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
III John 2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Also see: Ps. 107:20; Acts 14:9; Mal. 4:2; Acts 10:38; Pr. 3:8; Isa. 58:8.
FAITH
James 5:14-16
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervant prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Mark 11:22-23
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Also see: Rom. 1O:17; II Cor. 5:7; Eph. 6:16; Jude 20; Rom. 4:19-20; I Cor. 16:13; James 1:6; Mk 5:34; Lk. 7:50; Lk 18:42.
SALVATION
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Romans 10:9-10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God : Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Also see: Heb. 5:9; Ps 25:5; Gal. 6:1.
COMFORT
II Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Acts 9:31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Also see: Eph. 6:22; I Thes. 5:11; II Thes. 2:11; Ps 86:17.
PEACE
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Also see: John 16:33; Rom. 14:17; Phil. 4:7.
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR HEALING
GENERAL HEALING & DIVINE HEALTH
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their heart.
Matthew 8:17
That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
I Peter 2:24
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Psalms 107:17-20
Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction’s.
Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
TO STOP BLEEDING, AND FOR DIABETES
Exekiel 16:6
And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou was in thy blood, Live.
EYES, EARS
Isaiah 32:3
And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.
STAMMERING
Isaiah 32:4
The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly.
BROKEN BONES
Psalms 34:20
He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
BARRENNESS
Psalms 113:9
He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.
VIRUS, ULCERS
Exodus 23:25
And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
MISCARRIAGE
Exodus 23:26
There shall nothing cast their young nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfill.
PREGNANCY & DELIVERY
Exodus 1:18-19 AMP
So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them,
Why have you done this thing, and allowed the male children to live?
The midwives answered Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew children are not like the Egyptian women; they are vigorous and quickly delivered; their babies are born before the midwife comes to them.
Isaiah 66:9 AMP
Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth? says the Lord; shall I Who cause to bring forth shut the womb? says your God.
Isaiah 65:23 AMP
They shall not labor in vain or bring forth (children) for sudden terror or calamity; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord and their offspring with them.
SNAKEBITE, POISON
Mark 16:18
They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they
shall recover.
BURNS
Isaiah 43:2
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest
through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barclay, Mark. Supernatural Ministries Training Institute. Midland, Michigan: Mark Barclay Publications.
Ebinger, Mary R. I Was Sick And You Visited Me. Cincinnati, OH : Board of Global Ministries.
Jordan, Rev. Joe. Prescription For Healing. The Amplified Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House.
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary. Springfield, Ohio: Merriam Webster Inc.
