Page 44 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

44 Beginning Ministerial Internship: Student Manual

But what is clear is that the act of healing is tied to the prayer of faith and the
God who responds to it. When ministering to the sick, it is prayer offered in faith
that must have the minister’s focus. While we demonstrate our trust in God when
we pray, our ability to trust Him with the specific circumstances of a sickness
demonstrates faith. Again, such faith is not a simple proclamation of what we
want. Instead, it is the awareness of God’s plan and the confident assertion that
He will fulfill it. Prior to opportunities to pray for the sick, the minister should
seek God’s will. When God reveals that purpose, the minister should demonstrate
faith in God’s promise to fulfill it. When the minister has no clear sense of what
God wishes to do, it is fitting to express confidence in God and to encourage the
sufferer to have such faith as well. The prayer of faith does not begin with what
we want; it always begins and ends with what God wants.

Types of Hospital Visits
Situations will vary as a minister reaches out to assist the sick, sometimes at
the hospital and sometimes at the patient’s home. Distinguishing these visits will
give direction to the minister’s service to the patient and the patient’s extended
family and friends. While this section will use the term hospital visit, the intent is
to address the circumstances an individual is facing and not simply the location.
Each of these visits could occur in places other than a hospital.
The Crisis Visit
The minister’s phone can and will ring at any hour, and the news is frequently
the report of a crisis. A minister may have to visit an emergency room or bedside
after a difficult medical report has been given. These are crisis visits.
Such moments are characterized by sudden emotional trauma and disorientation
for the patient. In such moments, a minister must be guided by several principles.
• Allow and even facilitate the full expression of emotion. God created each
individual with emotions, which often serve as a cushion to life’s deepest
blows. Tears and cries of anguish may be essential parts of coping with
trauma; without them, individuals may later turn that emotion inward to
their detriment. In such moments, the minister must be a quiet presence,
perhaps providing a shoulder to cry on or a simple encouragement to not
be afraid to express feelings.
• Ministers must not be in a hurry. They should seek first to comfort and
demonstrate a place of quiet support. There will come a moment to help
the sufferer and/or family members to share their thoughts and feelings.
Handling time wisely is all-important.
• Look for ways to assist. Always stay out of the way of the medical staff
as they perform their duties. You may want to help family address the side
issues that arise such as, making phone calls, securing someone to pick up
or care for a child, and so forth.
• Provide spiritual support. As God directs, take the appropriate moment to lead
the individual or family in prayer. You may want to read a brief Scripture that
demonstrates hope in God. Gather the family, even the unbelievers if they will
participate, and offer the need to God, asking for His mercy and help. Lengthy
prayer is not necessary, but compassionate empathy is required.
• You will want to find ways to encourage the sufferer and family members to
express their thoughts to God. If the sufferer is not a believer, the door may
open for you to discuss a relationship with God. One way to do this effectively
is to ask, “Is there anything you feel you need to say to God right now?”