Jesus is alive! And, the Jesus we read about in the Gospels is the same Jesus still alive in His Church. This is the Good News! When we worship together on Sunday, we gather in praise of our living God who speaks to us, touches our lives with forgiveness, and sends us forth united to the Body of Christ. Whenever Jesus “showed up” in a town or village, that place never stayed the same; lives were transformed and healed by Jesus. And, Jesus is, “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Jesus revealed the love of His Father through healing. He healed hearts trapped in sin and called them to live in His love. Jesus healed bodies and freed people from evil spirits. In every word and deed, Jesus unveiled the Spirit’s mission and the Heart of the Father: a Heart united in a mission of healing. But, what does this mission mean for us today? How do we enter this mission of healing? Can we really do the works Jesus did and more (John 14:12)?
In this eight part blog series on healing, we will look at many aspects of healing and learn how to take steps to live this out in our own lives. In Part One, “God’s Desire to Heal,” we will look into questions about healing and reservations we might share about praying for healing. In Part Two, “Theology of Healing 101,” we will delve into what Jesus reveals about healing and its relationship to the Good News of God’s Kingdom. In Part Three, “Healing and the Sacraments,” we will lift our expectations for inner and physical healing happening when we share in the Sacraments of the Body of Christ, the Church. In Part Four, “Who Can Pray for Healing,” we will step into our own authority to heal through Jesus Christ, no matter who we are or what vocation Jesus called us to live. In Part Five, “Practical Ways to Start Praying with Others,” we will look into easy ways to invite others to pray with them and overcome our fears of asking to pray with someone. In Part Six, “Outline to Guide our Prayer for Healing,” we will see a simple five step guide that can help us navigate our prayer time with others for healing, or any topic of prayer. In our last segment, Part Seven, “As the Father Sent Me, So I Send You” we will be encouraged to step out in faith and bring the healing Jesus desires into our lives, families, work places, and pews.
Whether you have been praying for healing for decades, or are looking for helpful insights and clarity on the matter, this series on healing will hopefully provide insights and encouragement. Jesus has so much he desires for His Church. You have so much to offer. Miracles await us!
