Keys for Prayer Ministers

by Norma Dearing
Winter 1997

Christmas is a beautiful time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. The conception and birth of a new baby is a joyous occasion for many, as in the Bauwens' family with Katie and Robert. How wonderful that "before the foundation of the world He called us and made mention of our names" (Is. 49: 1 and Eph. 1 :4, paraphrased).

However, some people, even though their lives were divinely planned by God, know they were not planned or wanted by their earthly parents. But our God, who is not bound by time or space, is capable of healing even prenatal memories. My special Christmas message is that Jesus can bring inner healing into lives even from the time of conception.

Many studies show a baby in utero knows whether it is wanted or not, even recognizing the voice of its parents. A child conceived in rape, incest or out–of–wedlock may sense early in its prenatal development that its very existence is a cause of stress or anxiety to its mother. Unfortunately, this may be the beginning of worry, rejection, low self–esteem, and fear of abandonment. Often, parents who are married conceive at inopportune times, such as too soon after marriage, before finishing college, too close to another child, or late in life. Babies can sense these anxieties, too. Some people are told by their parents that they wanted a child of the opposite sex, or even that they would never have had them if abortion had been legal.

Even when babies are planned and wanted, a person may still need prayer; for example, if the mother suffered a previous abortion or miscarriage, or severe sickness, accident or tremendous grief during pregnancy. One woman for whom I prayed could not remember a time when she did not experience fear and anxiety, leading me to believe she was born with them. In asking the proper questions about her conception and birth, I learned her mother had suffered four miscarriages before carrying her. Her mother was terrified during the entire pregnancy and spent most of the nine months worrying. After praying about her conception, she experienced a peace she had never known.

It is also important to pray for inner healing of traumatic birth experiences. Dr. Frederik Leboyer, a French obstetrician, says all births are traumatic, but I am speaking of particular complications such as long labor, breech births, umbilical cords around necks, instrument deliveries, premature or C–section deliveries, R–h blood factor problems, death of the mother during birth, placement in an incubator or immediate surgery.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. His redeeming power can reach into the past and bring restoration. "The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being" (Prov. 20:27). Jesus' resurrected presence brought light into the darkness of the whole earth, and He is able to bring that same light into the dark places of our birth experiences. Like His birth that we celebrate at Christmas, it is truly a special gift. All we must do is receive it.

Praying from Conception to Birth

1. Inquire delicately about the person's birth process. Did he come at a good time in his parents' lives? Were there previous miscarriages or abortions? Was there difficulty in the pregnancy or the birth itself? Through prayer, invite Jesus into the moment of conception.
   
   
2. Impress upon the person that before he was formed in his mother's womb, God knew him. He created this person. His one purpose is for the person to have a loving relationship with Him forever. God is the first and real parent, and He placed this person in an earthly family.
   
   
3. Pray for release from genetic problems. Cut free from generational bondage, such as alcoholism, mental instability, occult involvement, etc.
   
   
4. Pray to fill the womb with the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of warm. golden oil or light, so the baby lives, moves and has his being IN God. Let the Holy Spirit be the buffer between any negative thoughts, emotions or words of the mother or father.
   
   
5. Ask God to reassure the person that He wanted and planned for a male or female child. This person was created on purpose by God.
   
   
6. Ask God to place within the person all the gifts, talents and tools that this person will need to become the person God created.
   
   
7. Reassure the person of God's love and his uniqueness. Pray for God's presence, safety and peace as the child grows and develops.
   
   
8. Ask the person quietly and gently what they are feeling or seeing. If nothing, ask what they are thinking.
   
   
9. When getting to the delivery, ask what they are feeling, i.e. fear, anxiety, excitement? Many times, people never wanted to be born. They perceived the world as unsafe and never wanted to come forth. Ask if they are able to ask Jesus to help them choose life.
   
   
10. Ask gently if the person can see or feel the Lord. It may be through a bright light or a feeling of peace. Allow time for Jesus to receive him into His hands so the first touch the person ever feels is His touch of strength, gentleness, warmth, security and safety. Allow quiet time so that hopefully they will see or feel Jesus' presence. As Jesus lifts the person up to Look him over, let Jesus' face be the first face he ever sees as he sees the twinkle in His eye, the broad smile of pride on His face. Then let Jesus' voice be the first voice he ever hears.

Norma Dearing is the Director of Prayer Ministry at CHM.