The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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10. Sometimes a person being prayed for may appear to be faint or to fall asleep under the
power of the Holy Spirit. In this case it is best to lay the person out flat on the floor and simply
bless what God is doing. We believe there is “inner healing” going on at this time.
11. If the person ‘resting in the Spirit’ in this way is a woman, it may be seemly to have a
small blanket available for a covering if she has fallen in an undignified position. The blanket can
be placed over her without disturbing her.
12. There are times when people have been taken home apparently in a “drunken” condition.
It is best for them to be put to bed. They will be perfectly all right when they awaken.
13. Frequently there are manifestations of a “power encounter.”
14. Encourage the afflicted person to take a step of faith . . . If it is an arm he cannot bend--
see if he can bend it now. 29
Follow Up
1. The person ministered to should not be told he is healed (he will know if he is) or to leave
off taking his medicines (only a doctor is qualified to do that). Of course the Holy Spirit
may tell the person himself to do this, but that is entirely between the healed person and
the Lord.
2. Where a ‘follow up’ is proposed directly as a result of the ministry within the church, then
it should be noted on a ‘follow up’ sheet and passed to the vicar (pastor) or one of the
staff. Some church members may already be being supported by a counseling ministry
approved by the vicar.
3. Have someone present from the previous team where possible for those who come for
“soaking prayer.” Recognize that it is the same Spirit who is meeting the person and don’t
be pre-occupied with the need to go over the previous sessions. It is reasonable to ask in
what way the Lord helped last time. 30
Difficulties
1. There will be some who don’t want to come up to the [front] for prayer. There is a place
for “prayer in the pews” from friends. Others will want help in private--perhaps later in the
week.
2. If anyone ministering is in any doubt, he should ask for help, and not be afraid to discuss.
3. “Deliverance” from some “bondage” or “afflicting spirit” may be called for as a result of
ministry at the rail.
4. “Exorcism” is for people who are “possessed” and requires special preparation and should
not be part of our after-service ministry. The spirit should be bound in Christ’s name and
the case referred to the vicar [pastor].