For wisdom, i.e., knowing what to do in all circumstances, rely on the Holy Spirit and the Bible while following the prayer forms. They were written following a long experience of docility to the Holy Spirit and contact with Sacred Scripture. You are taking this training to learn new things. Take advantage of this by putting aside your old ways of doing things to discover a different approach. Do let the Bible guide you.

The virtue of faith, i.e., your trust in God, is the main tool of your way of proceeding. But also expect charisms to be given to you as needed.

Take charge from the beginning. Start by saying, “Hello. My name is ___. What is your name?” Help everyone feel at ease and encourage them to express themselves.

Your inquiry must go to the basics. The supplicants could talk about their lives for hours. This prayer approach does not usually require that the supplicant go into the details of his life. The vital thing here is prayer and in the shortest time possible. We are primarily people of prayer. Sometimes, the supplicant must expose a secret that has been undermining him for too long. To express it will be cathartic and he must let it out. There will be tears and they will be healing. So, you have to let him speak. Then, at the right time, move on to the healing prayer.

Make sure the conversation stays on topic. If the supplicant makes digressions or adds case over case, or elaborates too long, it would be useful to tell him, “Let us stop here to examine this and pray for healing.”m speak. Then, at the right time, move on to the healing prayer.

Always be Sensitive to People

Do not look for all the dysfunctions (problems, roots) of the supplicant nor do not let him verbalize problem after problem without praying for each one. When he has revealed great suffering and there is enough matter to start with, begin the prayer, even if the inquiry is not finished. Do not forget that the person will be burdened with all that he has revealed to you and that was not healed. There will be other times for prayer for other problems later. Let yourself be guided by wisdom and deference.

When the supplicant has raised points of suffering, do not forget to address them during the prayer. If necessary, adapt the prayer forms according to the person’s experience.

Remain objective. Control your emotions so you can help the supplicant. If your emotions get too strong, it’s probably because you, too, need to be prayed with. If this happens, ask the team leader to replace you as the prayer leader.

Listen attentively to the supplicant: listen to what he says and what he does not say. Read between the lines. Observe the expressions on his face, the tone of his voice. The Holy Spirit guides prayer especially through the supplicant.

Do not hesitate to lay hands on the supplicant by touching him if he agrees, but never weigh or push on him (shoulder, head, etc.).

Eliminate useless verbiage from your prayers. “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases (babble, meaningless words, vain repetitions, same prayer over and over again, rattle off long prayers) as the gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words” Matthew 6:7 NRSV-CE. Focus your prayers on the essentials. Let them be brief. Allow generous times of silence, to leave all the necessary space to the Holy Spirit to act (often we pray but we do not give Him the time to answer us). Use prayer forms in most cases.

The supplicant, not the prayer leader, says all the prayers that concern him. Put the Supplicant’s Prayer Form in his hands to allow him to say the prayers himself. Often, it would be advantageous to allow the supplicant to read a prayer by himself before saying it; this would allow him to understand what it is he is asking of the LORD. The prayer leader can explain what the prayer says and wants to accomplish. Then, it is the supplicant that prays it. But, sometimes, the supplicant will rattle off the prayer as it were a magical formula, not concentrating on what he/she is saying or praying: in such a case, hold on to the prayer form and have the supplicant pray repeating after you.

Regularly observe the assistant and the archivist. The LORD might have given them a trail to follow. You would be wise, ordinarily, to let him say what he has received. You can follow up on this word yourself or ask him to do it. Then, after this area has been addressed, you can resume your role of prayer leader.

Keep strict confidentiality on all the delicate information that you have received during the prayer session.

Be attentive to the common problems of the supplicant: bitter roots, inner vows, fears, rejections, bitterness, and unforgiveness regarding the wounds of the past. Write them down for later healing or deal with them on the spot.

Speak simply and clearly. Be candid and honest. Do not give your testimony as an illustration. Do not talk about yourself. The attention must remain on the supplicant.t.

Do not allow the supplicant’s attention to focus on what others have done or said to him. It was the supplicant who came for help. So, refocus the dialogue on him. Ask him, “How did you feel?” or “What would you say if we took care of this situation?”.

Show unconditional love by acceptance. Many people do not believe themselves to be loved or accepted by God or by others.

Always keep your eyes open when you pray for someone. First, you must be able to see what is happening (some prayer leaders have received blows because they had not seen them coming!). Second, the supplicant must see in your eyes the Father’s love for him, he must feel loved by his LORD, and it is the prayer leaders who represent Him, who make Him present to the person.