Prayer Ministry

Why I chose to be a prayer minister

I practiced traditional psychology for almost 40 years and would have continued but for Covid. It wasn’t my therapeutic style to use Zoom and wearing a mask in person interfered dramatically in the nuances of communication, which is essential for good therapy. I never returned to clinical practice, however, I sensed there would be other things I could offer, but wasn’t sure what it was. The work of Francis McNutt came to my attention and I began to read his books on the history and practice of Christian healing. It made sense to me why this has been hidden and overlooked throughout history.

Since 2020 I have witnessed a dramatic rise in mental disorders. What I also see is the spiritual crises that is challenging the faith of Americans. Our media encourages fear, anger, greed, self-righteousness, pride, and behaviors that are demoralizing. Perhaps there was something I could do to help, and Francis McNutt and his wife Judith were major inspirations.

Limitations of psychology training

Psychologists are not offered courses in spiritual healing and this is one of their major limitations. Prayer ministers rarely have training in professional counseling. There is a huge gap and a large need for those who have training in both. Looking back on my own career, I can distinctly recall cases where psychotherapy was a complete failure. I now know some of these clients were oppressed by a demon and had compulsions they could not control. They needed deliverance, but at the time I had no idea how to do it. I recognize now some former clients were unrepentant of their sins, held bitterness in their heart, had been cursed, had been involved in the occult, or had such deep emotional wounds that only supernatural healing could mend. At the time I lacked awareness that these were critical issues in their mental health and healing prayer was the way, if not the only way, to resolve them.

My training in healing prayer

During 2025 I completed 3 courses (Level 1-3) at the School of Healing Prayer at the Christian Healing Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida. The school, founded by Francis and Judith McNutt, is designed to teach how to conduct prayer ministry for physical healing, inner healing, spiritual healing, and more. The courses are quite comprehensive and I learned how to “Listen, Love, and Pray”. A partial list of the topics included the four types of healing, baptism in the Holy Spirit, the healing power of forgiveness, generational healing, deliverance, healing our image of God, healing spiritual abuse, healing of abortion, healing in marriage, healing of sexual abuse, blessings and curses, the grieving process, healing addictions, the ministry of angels, and spiritual warfare. In addition, I was taught specific prayers and the use of sacraments for healing.

Current availability

I feel confident that I can help those in need for healing from a Christian prayer ministry orientation. I am available to pray for those who seek emotional, physical, or spiritual healing. My strong preference is face to face and where we meet is very flexible. I prefer to work with men. If I do offer healing prayer with a woman I require another female to be in the room, ideally one who will assist me in prayer. I am not affiliated with any specific church, but several pastors here in Bristol know of my work.

Important distinctions between a psychologist and a prayer minister

There are many differences between a psychologist and a prayer minister. Psychologists diagnose mental conditions and treat based on “standard of care” using secular methods. Prayer ministers do not diagnose or treat mental disorders. Prayer ministers are taught to “Listen, Love, and Pray.” They are guided by the Holy Spirit and ask Jesus to conduct the healing session. Psychologists take notes and keep them for seven years and can be shared by law in certain conditions. Prayer ministers either don’t take notes or dispose of them immediately and forget what happened in the meeting. Everything is confidential and once healed, there is no need to remember the past. Psychologists are required to take continuing education classes and their practice is overseen by the state. Prayer ministers rely upon the Bible and are overseen by God. Psychologists work alone with clients. Prayer ministers very often work in male and female pairs, particularly when ministering to females. Psychologists set their fees by the hour. Prayer ministers offer their services for free and time allocated is variable, depending upon the need. Becoming a licensed psychologist requires many years of training, examinations, internship, and paying multiple fees. A prayer minister has no such requirement, and can offer services after receiving the Holy Spirit and the calling from God. Lastly, psychologists must refer a client if they believe they cannot help them and cannot “abandon” their client. Prayer ministers never abandon anyone but are expected to listen to God to determine if they should help and for how long. They are always free to pray or not pray for anyone. The only “outside” referral they make is to God.