Three Keys to

Effective Prayer Ministry

by Bill & Kristi Gaultiere

As a prayer minister you serve as Christ’s ambassador, offering God’s friendship to people in need (2 Corinthians 5:20). You’re not making anything happen—you’re joining Jesus’ prayers (Luke 11:1-4; John 17:20-23)

1. Praying Scripture

  • Scriptures foster our dependence on the Spirit of God, who inspires, enables, and answers prayer (Romans 8:26).

  • God’s words are a life-giving substance; they provide the strength and guidance we need to persevere in praying and interceding with love for others (Matthew 4:4; John 4:34).

  • The “sword of the Spirit” wards off dark powers (Ephesians 6:17).

2. Giving Empathy (as in the Psalms)

  • Be careful not to “fix” people with Scripture insights, encouragements, or words of faith (Matthew 7:6; James 1:19). Fixing people leads can lead them to repress their emotions and needs and distance them from God’s grace, healing, or wisdom.

  • The heart of prayer is to understand and validate people’s emotions and offer them to God as you ask God for what they need (Matthew 7:7-12). 

  • In prayer ministry, normally encouraging words are more effective after empathy.

3. Practicing Soul Care

  • The healthy spiritual life has a basic rhythm of moving from the inner journey of intimacy with Jesus to the outer journey of caring for or leading others. First we abide in Jesus and his word and then we bear fruit (John 15:5-8).

  • The best ministry is to be overflowing to others with your experience of God’s savory and strengthening grace (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

4. Application: Peace—Be Still (Mark 4:35-41)

  • The story of Jesus calming the storm is great for praying Scripture. (There are lots more prayer and meditation tools on SoulShepherding.org.) Let’s receive from the Lord Jesus and then we overflow to others.

  • Imagine yourself as a disciple in the boat with Jesus on the stormy sea. Maybe you’re anxious or scared? Maybe you’re trying to fix the problem? Can you see and trust Jesus sleeping peacefully ini the storm? (See our meditation on Mark 4:35-41 and Rembrandt’s painting: “With Jesus in the Storm.”)

  • Covid-19 is a storm in our lives right now. You may have another storm too. Tell Jesus how you feel in your life today. Name the emotion words.

  • Pray Jesus’ words as a Breath Prayer: “Peace… Be still…” (v. 39). Breathe in, “Peace…” Breathe out, “Be still…” Repeat this abiding prayer for yourself… Your family… Churches and people in Orange County… America and the world…