The Peterborough Circuit has a history in offering prayer ministry for healing and wholeness,, as do countless other churches and circuits. We might term this ‘Ministry in the Spirit’. In one sense, this feels like an odd statement to make given that the Holy Spirit is present every time we pray in Jesus name before Father. However, the phrase does of course point to a particular openess, approach, and expectation to God in those being prayed for and those who are suporting as they offer prayer. This policy (which remains under review) is driven by three considerations:

First, as we gather post-pandemic, the practice of inviting people to respond and request prayer, and come alongside other who will listen and support them in prayer, has the potential to deepen the sense of koinonia (spiritual fellowship, community, partnership) between people.

Second, the offer of prayer ministry is a testament in itself in that it projects the expectation that God has a work to do in people’s lives. Prayer ministry is an intensely evangelical act – evangelical in the sense that it encourages people to centre their lives around the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit and gives them the confidence to share their faith with others. As the latin summary of our Christian Tradition puts it, what we pray, reflects what we believe, and how we live (Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi).

Third, in order that people feel secure and to mitigate against hurt or harm, appropriate safeguards must be in place. These will relate to our ongoing experience of safeguarding issues, and the present context of the church, particualry in relation to God in Love Unites Us, our inclusivity towards members of the LGBT community, and the Methodist Church ban on conversion therapies.

The following is offered as an initial policy, to be held under constant review.

General Principles of Prayer Ministry

• We believe God hears and answers prayer. We want to see that in our lives and in the lives of individuals who seek prayer ministry.
• We will minister with God’s grace and mercy without judgement or prejudice.
• We aim to provide a safe space for people to share their needs and concerns in confidence.
• We will listen to the person. We will listen to God. We will assure people that God loves them. We will give people the confidence to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit.  
• We believe that prayers spoken in the name of Jesus have the power to free us from sin (which ensnares us), death, and all that oppresses.
• We believe that from the point where someone steps forward to receive prayer,  the Holy Spirit begins to bring or continue works of healing, restoration and hope.
• Whilst we draw strength from the prevalence of exorcism and healing in the gospels, we also acknowledge the damage that can be done through unhelpful declarations, invocations, promises, and practices. Our focus is therefore not to rationalise what is happening but to simply help people encounter Jesus and have confidence in opening themselves up to the work of the Holy Spirit.
• We uphold the Methodist Church’s Safeguarding teaching, particularly around physical abuse, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, controlling behaviour, and coercive control.
• We uphold the position of the Methodist Church against conversion therapies. Our approach, for those people who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity, is to support them on their journey but to emphasise those values that will enable loving and committed relationships.

Our personal discipleship and approach

• The Team Leader in any setting will be any minister, or a fully-accredited Local Preacher or Worship Leader.
• Any safeguarding concerns will be forwarded to the Team Leader and thereafter to the Circuit Safeguarding Officer.
• We will maintain our own spiritual health through our daily prayers, reading of the scriptures, and worship. We will be support and be supported by a local church.
• We will maintain privacy, unless we have obtained permission to share. Only in the event that we consider that the person’s own life or that of another is at risk, or if someone discloses that they have been abused, will be breach this.  
• Individuals from other Christian denominations may be invited to assist in prayer on a case by case basis at the discretion of the circuit superintendent. The principles of Safer Recruitment will apply.
• We will pray with humility, sensitivity, gentleness, value and respect, and will always protect the dignity of those seeking care.
• Someone coming for prayer will never be prayed for alone; they will be supported by a second person (even if they are watching and listening at a distance).
• Whilst we do not require men to pray for men, or women to pray for women, we recognise that this may be helpful in certain situations and so will always ask the person whether they are happy with who is listening and praying. We will be sensitive in our discernment to offer this as conversations unfold.
• After having prayed for others, we will seek assurances that all is well in ourselves, and we will pray for God’s protection and blessing over each other.

How we Pray – what does ‘good practice’ look like?

• Welcome people. If unknown to you, introduce yourself and ask their name.  Spend a few moments putting them at ease. Assure the person what they are sharing will be kept confidential. It may be more helpful for people to sit for prayer; if you can, offer this but sit beside them rather than stand above them.
• “What do you want God to do for you today?” is a good starting question. Give people time to express why they are seeking prayer; listen well, don’t judge, and remember we here to offer prayer rather than advice or counselling.  Keep folk focused on what they want God to do for them. Do reflect back what they have said, particularly if there are strong phrases that highlight how they feel. Make sure you have tissues to hand.
• Never touch someone without asking permission. If you wish to lay lay a hand on a specific area (that they may have referred to), ask the person to put their hand there and you lay yours on top, if they would be comfortable with this.
• Invite the Holy Spirit to come upon the person. Allow time for the Holy Spirit to minister. Encourage the person being prayed for to close their eyes and receive.  Keep your eyes open, be watching, and listen for what God is saying.  Speak thanks and blessing for what God is doing.
• If you feel led to pray in tongues, please do so silently unless you have explained to the person what this is. An acceptable thing to say is, ‘Is it ok if I pray for you in a special prayer language – it helps when I do not know what to pray but I know I must pray something?’ Do not speak the tongue out loud but under your breath.
• People will be moved powerfully by the Holy Spirit. Reassure than that this is normal and that they can trust God. Frequently, the Spirit enables the release of emotion, and the person can lament or be moved by joy: this can surprise us. Affirm what you see, assuring then that God can release pain and anger etc. If someone becomes very distressed or noisy, pray that they come to a point of calm. Act sooner rather than later. Seek help if needed.
• Unhelpful declarations: Do not say ‘You are healed’ (the best testimony on healing comes from the person being prayed for). Just pray for healing. Rejoice with the person. Advise them to consult with their doctor and continue with medication etc. Avoid, “Do this or that and all will be well”, “You need more faith”, “It’s your fault you are not healed”.
• Unhelpful invocations: Do not speak to the ‘demon within’ someone, yet alone attempt to deliver someone. Just because Jesus, the Son of God did it, that does not mean that you have the discernment to identify what is at work or the authority to deliver someone here. There is need for sensitivity and deep discernment in this area, and much harm and hurt can be caused if this is handled badly. Focus instead on the power of Christ to release us from oppression, and (should this relate), speak of ‘spiritual oppression’.
• Unhelpful promises: ‘You will find a partner’, ‘You will get pregnant’ are obvious no-no’s.
• Respecting boundaries: ‘I will keep a secret’, ‘Would you like to meet 1:1 later’ are an obvious breach of boundaries that potentially isolate you from other members of the team, and leave you vulnerable as well. Take care.
• If you feel you or the person needs further support, ask for their permission to refer to the Prayer Team Leader.