Elder Prayer

James 5:14-15 – “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.”

It is the joy and privilege of the Elders at Two Rivers Church to participate in praying for those within our body who have spiritual, emotional, or physical needs. Members of our Elder Board will be available to pray with you in the Prayer Chapel (located immediately to the right of the main worship center adjacent to the back doors of the church) after each service.

For further information about Elder Prayer, please review the following Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to sign up in advance?

Absolutely not! Just come as you are after the service. Please wait outside the prayer chapel until it is your turn for prayer. A member of the prayer team will invite you in after they have finished praying for the person immediately before you.

What can I expect when I come for prayer?

When it is your turn for prayer, you will be invited into the prayer chapel (or another room if there is a need for it). At that time, a member of our Elder Board and a few people gifted in prayer will ask you some questions about your prayer need. They may ask to lay their hands on you while they pray, and, if appropriate, they may ask if they may anoint your forehead with oil as they pray.

Why do the Elders sometimes anoint people with oil? Does it have some type of ‘special power'?

By itself, the oil holds no special power or ability to heal. However, it is commanded in Scripture (see James 5:14) that, specifically in prayers for the sick, the Elders are to ‘anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.’ The oil, by its fragrance, feel, and physical presence, helps to remind us of the nearness of the Holy Spirit as we pray.

Will I have to reveal very personal, private things if I ask for prayer?

Our goal is never to condemn or shame anyone. We seek to extend the hand of fellowship and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in ministering to those in need. If you are uncomfortable sharing very private matters, just some general information so that we may pray will suffice. However, we would like to be able to pray very specifically for your needs, so if you are able to share some brief details about your situation, we can pray in accordance with what the situation dictates. Please know that we will hold in confidence anything that we are asked not to reveal.

I have a specific prayer need that can’t be met on Sunday morning. What should I do?

If you desire Elder-led prayer in a setting that cannot be facilitated on a Sunday morning, our Elders are available in other settings or for special needs. Please contact one of our Elders (contact information located on the back of the bulletin, or by calling the church office at 865.777.2121) with your need.