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TREE OF LIFE PRAYER MINISTRYDo you ever feel that God wants more for you? That something is holding you back? That you need a breakthrough? Do you ever wonder if God wants anything at all for you? Do you find yourself asking, "Does God really care about me? Does He have plans for me? Can He really help me with the struggles I’m facing today?" Jesus Christ used the words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah to explain His mission on earth: "The Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners… to comfort all who mourn… to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." - Isaiah 61:1-4 (quoted in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4, verses 18-19) God desires that you walk in the freedom Jesus can bring in all areas of your life.
Where in your life do you need more of His freedom?
Prayer Ministry can help!
Why Prayer Ministry?When we accept God’s free gift of salvation (available to us because of Jesus' death on the Cross to pay the penalty for our sins, to heal our diseases, and to purchase our peace – see Isaiah 53), God intends that we then move beyond simply existing, and into abundant life! But many obstacles can hold us back from living in the full freedom God intends for us.
What kinds of obstacles?
We all have places in our heart and spirit that are wounded by past experiences. Sometimes we hold unforgiveness in our heart. We may be affected by old habits, broken relationships, deeply ingrained attitudes or ways of thinking. These may come from experiences in childhood, or from recent struggles; they may be passed down through our family, or through society. These obstacles are often hidden from us, and they keep us from experiencing the fullness of Christ’s freedom and blessings.
Freedom comes with surrendering all areas of our life to Christ. We may have expressed our desire for complete surrender; but in some area, a hidden obstacle holds us back. We may be walking in freedom with Christ, but parts of our personality and inner spirit haven't gotten the message!
Only through the power of the Cross can we get the message to every part of us, so we can experience total freedom in Christ.
Through Prayer Ministry, we bring the Cross into our specific situations, inviting healing and restoration. In areas where we’re wounded or "stuck", where we face hidden obstacles or struggle with relationships, we need God's intervention through the Cross to heal that particular area, and to bring us to wholeness. Then we can walk in new freedom with Him. "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12
How does Prayer Ministry work?To understand Prayer Ministry, it's helpful to think about "fruit" and "root". When we look at the "fruit" of our life – repeated behaviors, recurring patterns of struggle, or areas where we feel blocked – we know there is a "root" behind it. We need the Holy Spirit to search the innermost parts of our personality and inner spirit to identify the root, and bring it to death on the Cross, so we can walk in deeper freedom with Christ.
Prayer Ministry, led by the Holy Spirit, can help us find the root of what's holding us back. When we identify the wounds, habits, thought patterns, or unforgiveness that keep us from freedom, we can bring them to death on the Cross with appropriate prayer. As we do this, we allow Jesus to bring healing. Our life begins to change in ways we never thought possible!
The Lord intends that we help each other through the process of growing in His freedom. Together, we can break free from negative issues, and fulfill the destiny and purpose God has for each of us. Prayer Ministry is a way to bring the healing power of the Cross into your life, through the help of a Prayer Minister; to be guided through the prayers that will bring new freedom; to receive the support you need to walk in healing and wholeness.
"…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." -- John 10:10
Can Prayer Ministry help me?Whether you feel emotionally or physically burdened; or you feel "stuck"; or you're struggling with a relationship; or you need more of God's presence in your life… whatever breakthrough you need, Prayer Ministry can help.
Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can discover what is holding you back from the abundant, Spirit-filled life God intends for you. You can find the "root" behind the "fruit" that’s blocking you. Through appropriate prayer, you can invite God to intervene, so you will experience and maintain the freedom Christ intends for you – daily, in all areas of your life.
We know we can’t change your history, but we believe God's intervention can change your future. Through the power of the Cross, we can help you get to a place where even the worst moments of your life become stepping stones to victory and freedom in Christ. This enables you to minister to others who have also suffered.
"So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed." – John 3:36
What is a Prayer Ministry session like?When you schedule an appointment, we provide a designated time for you to receive personal Prayer Ministry. Each session usually lasts 1-2 hours.
The Prayer Minister opens with prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to lead the session. You'll be invited to share with the Prayer Minister the areas where you are struggling, or where you need a breakthrough.
As you talk and receive Prayer Ministry, the Lord will reveal areas in your personality and inner spirit that need healing and freedom. The Prayer Minister will guide you through appropriate prayers. You'll prayerfully discuss and plan ways to walk out your personal healing with Christ in practical, everyday ways.
Prayer Ministry sessions are private and confidential. You can receive Prayer Ministry individually, or as a couple or family.
Ministry GuidelinesPlease follow these procedures if you would like to receive Prayer Ministry.
Pre-Appointment ProceduresPrayer Ministry is available at Dahlonega United Methodist Church – it's available to church members, as well as non-members, by appointment through the Church Office at 706-864-2521. You must agree to the following conditions:
- If you do not attend a church, you must commit to attend a "life" church. A "life" church is a Bible-believing, Spirit-filled church that offers "life-giving" fellowship from believers that bear spiritual fruit. You are asked to determine if your church meets these criteria.
- You must be involved in weekly fellowship meetings that support your personal spiritual growth (home groups, Bible study, etc.)
- You may be referred to someone else for discipleship or additional help and follow-up.
- When you call to schedule your first appointment, you will receive a Personal Background Survey to complete. At each session, it will be reviewed and notes will be taken. Your information is kept strictly confidential.
Prayer Ministry Training
"Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people." – Isaiah 57:14
God has challenged us to foster the growth of Prayer Ministry and facilitate those who are already active in this field in a formal or informal setting. God's Word teaches that some Christians may be specifically gifted with spiritual gifts appropriate to serving in Prayer Ministry. We are challenged to "build up" and "remove the obstacles" that hold God's children back from living their inheritance.
We must not overlook training and equipping others so that they can become competent, confident and effective Prayer Ministers of God’s Word. We believe in the training, equipping and releasing of others according to Scriptural principles and preparing them for ministry, service to God, and to others. We do this by offering Elijah House classes (the study of Prayer Ministry) beginning each September at Dahlonega United Methodist Church.
The heart of God is to set people free. Likewise, this is the heart of Tree of Life Prayer Ministry. It is our goal to speak the truth in love so that the Body of Christ may grow up in all aspects unto Him.
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." – John 8:32
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