First, listen to the person. Ask simple questions and allow them to describe what they are experiencing without immediately diagnosing the problem or deciding how you should pray. Second, listen to the Holy Spirit.

John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” The prayer minister will quietly ask Holy Spirit, “How do You want us to pray?”

Before trying to solve anything, communicate the love and compassion of Jesus. Welcome the person without judgment, honor their story, and allow them to know they are seen and valued. Jesus frequently demonstrated compassion before or while ministering healing (Matthew 14:14).

A good foundational verse is 1 Corinthians 13:2 NKJV: “…though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

Pray simply and specifically based on Scripture, what the person has shared, and what you sense the Holy Spirit directing. Rather than feeling pressure to produce a result, the focus is on agreeing with God and ministering in faith.

James 5:16 NKJV says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”