Importance of Cutting Yourself Free After Ministering
by Norma Dearing
Spring 1997
Editor's Note: We are pleased to present Keys For Prayer Ministers, a new section of our newsletter written by Norma Dearing, Director of Prayer Ministry. Norma has twelve years experience in the healing ministry and has been with CHM since 1986 when the ministry moved to Jacksonville. She develops the curriculum for CHM's School of Healing Prayer®, oversees all prayer–ministry training and all volunteer prayer ministry at the Center.
Christians who are in ministry or the helping professions are continually interacting with many who are not only sick physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Many times these people have demonic oppression, either because of occult involvement, generational bondage, previous traumas or habitual sin. Because of this, it is vital to learn the discipline of cutting ourselves free from these influences after ministry. We do not want to allow the residue of oppression to come off of our clients and onto us. Remember, "Satan roams like a lion looking for someone to devour" — 1 Peter 5:8. This residue of oppression is gradual and many times we do not recognize it until we become physically ill, discouraged or suffer burnout.
At CHM we minister often to burned out priests, ministers, social workers, counselors, nurses, etc. They are weighted down by the sorrows and brokenness they have responded to in those they help, and by their everyday encounter with some of the most sinful aspects of our world. It is vital for caregivers to release these people and their sorrows to the Lord Jesus as soon as possible. "Cast your cares upon me, for I care for you. My burden is easy and my yoke is light." — Matthew 11 :30.
I prayed for a prison chaplain just yesterday who called CHM because she was having serious physical problems. The oppression was so heavy that I could feel it coming through the phone long distance! She admitted that she has not been cutting herself free from the inmates through prayer, but said that she would become diligent in binding the enemy and cutting herself free every day from now on.
The following is a prayer written by Francis MacNutt that all CHM prayer ministers use after each appointment. Be good to yourself and use it. Stay healthy and God bless!
A Prayer To Be Set Free Following Ministry
- Lord Jesus, thank you for sharing with me your wonderful ministry of healing and deliverance. Thank you for the healings I have seen and experienced today. But I realize that the sickness and evil I encounter is more than our humanity can bare. So cleanse me of any sadness, negativity or despair that I may have picked up.
- If my ministry has tempted me to anger, impatience or lust, cleanse me of those temptations and replace them with love, joy and peace. If any evil spirits have attached themselves to me or oppress me in any way, I command them to depart — now — and go straight to Jesus Christ, for Him to deal with as He will.
- Come Holy Spirit, renew me, fill me anew with your power, your life and your joy. Strengthen me where I have felt weak and clothe me with your light. Fill me with life.
- And Lord Jesus, please send your holy angels to minister to me and my family — and to guard us and protect us from all sickness, harm and accidents. (And guard us on a safe trip home.) We praise you now and forever, Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
— Francis MacNutt
| Norma Dearing is the Director of Prayer Ministry at CHM. |  |