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The How To's of Prayer Ministry
6.1 Some suggestions
for Altar Ministry
Preparation.
1. Forgiveness should be the first order of preparation before ministry.
It is important that an intercessor live a life free of offence. We need
not be the reason why others are unable to receive.
2. All altar prayer ministry participants should spend time in prayer
prior to the scheduled service. It is also recommended that prayer be
lifted up on behalf of the one giving the message and that you have knowledge
of the direction of the message.
3. Be sensitive to the message
The message will set the mood for the first invitation for special prayer.
The works of God always follow in response to the message of the word
of God. There are those who will be in need for other types of prayer.
The first invitation should be in response to a commitment to the message.
4. Other invitations may include salvation, healing, commitment, dedications,
a drawing close to God, to name a few.
5. Some host speakers will be accompanied by a ministry team. Protocols
may differ at this time. It is the responsibility of your team leader
to check with the senior pastor or senior staff member in attendance what
the procedures will be prior to the beginning of service.
6. There should be one team leader for every 6 prayer teams. The team
leader should be available to over see any special needs that may arise
during the altar prayer ministry such as deliverance or other.
7. One will be assigned to direct ministry if problems arise during non
ministry times. Others should be instructed to continue to pray quietly
in the service.
The Be Careful Checklist.
1. Keep a strong breath freshener with you at all times. Use the freshener
prior to altar ministry and before personal ministry. Don’t allow
one’s breath to so distract as to create a situation that the Holy
Spirit is unable to use you.
2. Be mindful with your actions and attitude. Don’t let your ministry
be drowned under the shock of your actions.
3. Avoid “extremes” Do not create a wall by unfamiliarity. One
common abuse is to begin the conversation before asking any questions
with, “the Lord shows me this about you.” or “the Lord
shows me you have been doing this.” You may have already shut the
door to their trust and missed their need. Understand one does not always
have to say thus says the Lord. “you can say it and the Spirit of
God can put an anointing on it”.
4. When ministering to others be mindful of pointed condemning, judgmental
or offensive remarks. Refrain from words, like “you”, use the
word “ we” or “ us”. instead. When you find yourself
in a difficult discussion, the word “you” may cause your words
to be perceived negatively. We or us takes the edge off and still allows
the Holy Spirit to do His work through you.
5. Appropriate touch is to the forehead, hands, shoulder or upper back.
Those catching should keep hands 6 to 12 inches from the prayer recipient.
When the need arises to pray for healing in other appropriate areas of
the body, touch should be by those of whom the prayer recipient is familiar,
a family member or friend of the same gender. Your hand can then make
contact at their hand at the wrist.
6. Keep your prayer time within the scriptural perimeters of edification
exhortation or comfort.
7. Remember, they have come to meet God.
Your words are important. they are to establish, impart grace to the heares,
blessing and life. You have not been set as a judge or to judge.
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