by Jill Bell

About 10 years ago, God called me to the ministry of healing prayer in a way I couldn’t deny, though I’ve spent the last 10 years trying to avoid it. During a women’s Bible study, I had my hands raised in praise as we sang and began to feel an unaccountable tingling in them. I lowered my hands, but the tingling didn’t go away as we continued to sing. Through my mind flashed the words,

“I’m giving you the gift of healing.”

What was that?

Just my active imagination?

As you might expect, I doubted that this was the Lord speaking to me. I let God know I needed more confirmation if this was indeed a word from Him; I needed Gideon’s fleece really wet with water (Judges 6)! I didn’t have the faith to believe this one.
In mere moments, another woman from the group turned to me and said in front of all,

“God wants you to know that He’s the one
who is speaking to you tonight.”

My fleece was soaked.

I truly have spent the last 10 years trying to avoid this call, thinking that surely God hasn’t really called me to this hard (!) thing. But the Lord has faithfully continued to call me back to it, over and over. Through the years I’ve had the privilege of praying with many people in a healing prayer relationship and every time, as I’ve dragged my feet going into it, I’ve left with more than my share of blessings as I’ve watched God heal and restore His people. It’s clear that God is passionate about bringing wholeness and healing to His creation.

Bethany has had various forms of Healing Prayer ministries over the past 20 years. Beginning in January 2007, a more formal, structured ministry will be launched here at Bethany, led by Lynne McMahan, our Elder for Prayer. There will be twice-monthly opportunities for the Bethany community to meet with prayer ministers for an extended period of time on Sunday evenings.

If you desire prayer for any kind of inner or physical healing, I encourage you to seek out this opportunity for wholeness and restoration. A committed group of prayer ministers are currently meeting and training in preparation for this ministry, desiring to hold you up before the Lord in prayer. Look for more information early next year.

I think I’ve learned my lesson! I’ve joined the Healing Prayer ministry, knowing that if I think to avoid it, God will (again!) gently remind me of His calling on my life, and my need to listen and follow Him. And I’m really looking forward to it this time. I invite you to join us in praying for God’s direction in this amazing ministry.