Below is a list of suggestions for how to pray for healing. I recommend printing these for easy reference (they fit easily on a one-page Word document). Click here to see an expanded version with more explanation for each suggestion. You can read it all or just follow up on some specific tip you find confusing.
Things to Remember
First, while these “techniques” can be helpful, healing is in fact in the Lord’s hands. These efforts are but a humble offering; thankfully, the Lord is kind, and he’s happy to receive what you bring him.
Remember God loves us and is delighted to give us good things.
The Mechanics of Prayer
If you’re there with him, lay hands on him while you pray. (If not, don’t.) If you can, place your hand on the affected area that you’re praying for; otherwise, place your hand on his shoulder, head, hand, or leg, as convenient.
Healing can take different forms. Sometimes when the Lord heals he does it suddenly. Sometimes healing can be gradual and slow. Oftentimes, there is a partial healing.
Since healing is sometimes gradual, be prepared to spend some time praying—often, the more time the better.
What to Say
Talk to the Father, the Son, and/or the Holy Spirit. Speaking directly to Jesus is clearest and easiest.
First request: ask the Holy Spirit (in Jesus’s name) to come and to guide you in your prayers.
Ask the Lord to do very specific things. Pray about the bad thing you want to stop, but your focus should be on the good you want to come.
Relatedly, let your mind imagine those specific things happening (if you can).
Ask everything in Jesus’s name (or “in your holy name,” if addressing Jesus himself).
Other Points
If you’re spending a chunk of time praying, you can let there be some periods of silence, even while you continue to have your hand pressed against Paul.
Fasting. Sometimes it can be helpful to go for a time with no food and only water to drink.
Finally (and a reprise of the first suggestion), leave it in Jesus’s hands, knowing that he loves you, he loves the person you’re praying for (even more than you do), and that he is wise. Start with faith. End with faith.
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