When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:1-2

Ever been to a wedding? Or perhaps been in one? At some point during the service, the officiator makes a declaration that goes something like this:

“And now by the power vested in me by the state of __________________, I now pronounce you husband and wife”.

The Holy Spirit used this to show me a new (for me) way to pray for healing. Notice that the officiator is operating under an authority that has been given to him. And using that authority, he calls something that be not as though it was. Prior to the wedding, the man and woman were not husband and wife. The ceremony didn’t change that. What changed it was the officiator declaring it to be so while using the authority given him.

So now, what if we change the wording slightly. What if we say by the power vested in me by the Lord Jesus Christ, I now pronounce this body healed?

Jesus did not give His disciples authority to ask Him to heal the sick. He gave them (and us) authority to heal the sick – to use that authority to call those things that be not as though they are.

It is a beautiful moment in someone’s life to hear the declaration that they are now pronounced husband and wife. How much more amazing would it be to hear and receive the pronouncement that my body, your body is healed? A power greater than any that the state can provide dwells in us to bring healing to the sick.

Jesus, once again, I am amazed at Your goodness and Your willingness to provide for our healing and to give us authority to heal others. Your compassion knows no bounds. Help me to operate in that authority, to lay hands on the sick and see them recover. Help me to honor the sacrifice You made for us, In Your name I pray, amen.