There are many means and methods of ministering healing to the sick and suffering, so it is important to always be guided by the Spirit of God.
Here are seven ways to receive healing as taught in the scriptures:
1. Prayer. James 5:13,16 says that if anyone is afflicted, let him pray. The effective earnest prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. It is good to seek the Lord first before resorting to other means for help. Prayer accompanied by fasting is very powerful.
2. Laying on of hands. Scripture encourages the laying on of hands. The Bible says that every believer has the “Life of God” in him or her and we can impart healing to others by this means. God’s quickening and life-giving power can be transmitted when hands are laid on the sick. Jesus felt “virtue” go out of him when a little woman touched the hem of his garment. (Mark 5:29,30). Consider Hebrews 6:2, Mark 16:18, Mark 6:5, Luke 4:40, Luke 13:13, Acts 5:28.
3. Anointing with Oil. This method is explained in James 5:13-16. It is the duty of the sick to call the Elders to anoint them with oil and it is the duty of the Elders to obey this biblical mandate. Compare Mark 6:13. Oil in Scripture is always a symbol of the Holy Spirit and clearly signifies the Spirit’s work in healing. (Acts 10:38).
4. One Point of Contact. In Acts 19:11,12 mention is made of special miracles performed by Paul through the use of handkerchiefs and other garments. God often uses simple means to inspire faith for healing. In one case, Peter’s shadow was the point of contact – Acts 5:15. The woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment was healed. The dead man who touched Elisha’s bones came back to life (2 Kings 13:14,20,21). The Communion Service is yet another example – 1 Corinthians 11:29-32.
5. The Written Word (the Bible). There is power in the Word of God, both written and spoken. It is a supernatural book with a supernatural anointing and when we speak His Word in faith powerful things happen. Compare Psalm 107:20, John 6:63, Jeremiah 1:12, 1 Kings 8:56, Matthew 21:33m Mark 11:22-24.
6. Praise. The importance of praise can never be overemphasized. “God dwells in the praises of His people” (Psalm 22:3). This is the most powerful way to express your faith and trust in His Written Word and His Faithful Character. Praise the Lord for your healing, acquired two thousand years ago at Calvary. Take ownership of the work done and receive your healing.
7. Confess your healing. We must learn to take God at His Word. In the same way we “confess” our salvation and faith follows according to Romans 10:9, so the truth of God’s Holy Word works in us when we believe and confess it. Our confession, of course, must be subject to God’s sovereign will for our lives. Faith to confess only comes when we know what the Will of God is.