We believe that there is a strong and compelling scriptural basis for what we do and how we do it. Literally a hundred scriptures direct individuals and church leaders how to care for or disciple those with whom they are related or within their flock. For example:
Freedom. It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1.
Waiting on the Lord. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him… Psalm 37:7; Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. The Bible is replete with scriptures exhorting us to wait on the Lord and meditate on His word.
Praying together. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. Matthew 18:19-20
Asking for greater understanding of God and His ways. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19
Confessing and turning away from sin. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Giving up unforgiveness and judgement against another. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:37-38
Asking God to show us strongholds and lies we believe so we can walk in the light. Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
Better understanding of our access to God, the Father. Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-21
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:4-7
Looking to the Lord to heal our hurts and wounds. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18; He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3.
Being influenced by the Holy Spirit in what we say and do For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Romans 8:13-14
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Ephesians 4:29-30.
Many years ago as church leaders and elders, we realized we did not know how to do this very well. And that bothered us. We knew that the terms “Inner healing” or “Freedom Prayer” was not in scripture, but we saw that the concept, like pieces of a puzzle, was everywhere in scripture in all its many facets. We are instructed to work with God in the formation of mature disciples, to heal broken people, bear burdens, confess and forgive effectively, repent and much more.
So, over many years, and with the help and experience of many, this ministry was born. All these biblical truths assembled into a church ministry or a lifestyle needed a name. “Freedom Prayer” seemed like the name that best represents what occurs when two or more gather to seek God for wisdom, repentance and healing. The ministry of taking the finished work of Christ and applying it to the unfinished work of sanctification within each of us produces ever greater measures of freedom and maturity of character causing us to walk in Christ-like and Spirit-led ways.
All these biblical truths assembled into a church ministry or a lifestyle needed a name. “Freedom Prayer” seemed like the name that best represents what occurs when two or more gather to seek God for wisdom and healing. The ministry of taking the finished work of Christ and applying it to the unfinished work of sanctification within each of us produces ever greater measures of freedom and maturity of character causing us to walk in Christ-like and Spirit-led ways.
“Freedom Prayer is solidly based on the Gospel and biblical teaching while being immensely practical. Like few tools available to the Body of Christ, it has helped our leaders walk in increased freedom while we help many know the truth that sets them free.”
David McQueen
Senior Pastor, Beltway Park Baptist Church, Abilene TX
“Like many of us in ministry, I’ve witnessed a variety of approaches to inner healing, including the cumbersome, the bad, and the ugly. That being said, this old Lutheran became delighted as I learned about, and tried Freedom Prayer. Finally, a good, simple, and gentle approach to this kind of care. Our leadership team and staff at both Hosanna! campuses are fully on board and delighted with the simple effectiveness of this ministry. As a community tool, we interact with a couple of family therapist centers who make referrals to us for this type of help. I would encourage you to try Freedom Prayer and partner with God to bring people to a place of freedom in Christ so that they are empowered to live out their destiny in His Kingdom!”
Michael Swecker
Pastor of Prayer and Freedom Ministries, Hosanna, Lakeville and Shakopee, MN
“What started as a refreshing complement to ministry, Freedom Prayer has become a way of life as we minister to hundreds of people on a weekly basis. Dozens of sessions are scheduled annually, but the principles have proven invaluable in our daily interactions and small group gatherings. Freedom Prayer is one of the sharpest tools in our toolbox, cutting through the fog of ministry philosophies and helping us quickly lead people to the heart of their loving Father.”
Brad Bowen
Lead Pastor, Heritage Church, Moultrie, GA