Prayer and Divine Healing
Why do Christians pray for the sick and believe Jesus still heals?
Jesus Christ is our Healer. We believe healing belongs to the Gospel and is provided through His atoning work. We pray in faith, anoint the sick with oil, and trust the Lord as James 5 teaches.
What we believe
We believe Jesus Christ is our Healer. Healing belongs to the Gospel and is provided through His atoning work for believers. We pray in faith in Jesus’ name, trusting His power and sovereign will. We call the elders, anoint the sick with oil, and offer the Prayer of Faith as James 5 teaches.
How does Jesus reveal God’s heart for healing?
Matthew 8:16–17 connects Jesus’ healing ministry with Isaiah’s promise about bearing infirmities. Jesus preached the Kingdom and healed the sick. He sent His disciples to preach and minister healing in Matthew 10:7–8. We look to His compassion as we pray.
How does James teach the Church to pray for the sick?
James 5:13–16 calls the sick to invite the church elders to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the Lord’s name. The passage joins the Prayer of Faith with the Lord raising up the sick, forgiveness, confession, and prayer for one another.
Read the Scriptures in context
KJV · Isaiah 53:4-5 · Matthew 8:16-17 · Matthew 10:7-8 · Mark 6:12-13 · Luke 4:18-19 · Acts 10:38 · James 5:13-16 · 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 · Hebrews 13:8
Put it into practice
Read James 5:13–16. Ask the elders of your church for prayer and anointing with oil. Pray in Jesus’ name, trust His sovereign will, and keep showing compassionate care to those who are suffering.
Explore more Bible studiesDivine Healing
Healing, explained simply
Open a topic to read the belief and its Scripture references.
Jesus Christ is our HealerRead belief
We believe healing is part of the Gospel and flows from Christ’s atoning work. Jesus remains our Healer today.
KJV · Isaiah 53:4-5 · Matthew 8:16-17 · Hebrews 13:8
What Jesus taught and didRead belief
Jesus preached the Kingdom, healed the sick, and sent His disciples to minister healing. His compassion guides the way we pray for others.
KJV · Matthew 4:23 · Matthew 10:7-8
The Prayer of Faith in James 5Read belief
James tells the sick to call the church elders. They pray over the person in the Lord’s name. James says the Lord raises up the sick and calls believers to confess their faults and pray for one another.
KJV · James 5:13-16
Anointing with oil and the Holy SpiritRead belief
The elders anoint with oil as they pray. Jesus ministered in the Holy Spirit’s power, and His disciples also anointed the sick. Our faith rests in the Lord who heals.
KJV · James 5:14 · Mark 6:12-13 · Luke 4:18-19 · Acts 10:38
Faith, spiritual gifts, and compassionate careRead belief
We ask confidently in Jesus’ name, submit to God’s sovereign will, and welcome the Spirit’s gifts of healing. We continue caring for people with patience, prayer, and practical support.
KJV · John 14:13-14 · 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 · Galatians 6:2
Further reading · Assemblies of God on Divine Healing · The Foursquare Church’s beliefs
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From Vince’s bookshelf
Divine Healing Manual
Vince Baker covers Biblical teaching on Divine healing, including the prayer of faith and laying hands on the sick.
“If you believe in Divine healing or you want to learn more its a great book with alot of very good information.” — Michael Basford, reader review
Quote of the Day
“The faith of Jesus alone could get the job done, but He still required others to have faith.”
Vince Baker Read this quote →
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
What does anointing with oil mean?
It is a practice James gives the elders to accompany prayer in the Lord’s name. Mark 6:13 also describes the disciples anointing the sick. We trust Jesus as our Healer.
What does the Holy Spirit have to do with healing?
Acts 10:38 describes Jesus anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. First Corinthians 12 includes gifts of healing among the Spirit’s gifts for the good of the Church.
Can someone pray for healing while receiving medical care?
Yes. A person can seek professional care while asking God for healing and receiving support from the Church.