Freedom Prayer

Freedom Prayer is simply the name of a specific ministry at CrossBridge that aims to help people find freedom from barriers that may keep us from experiencing joy and peace in Christ. We've given this prayer ministry a name to differentiate it from several of our other prayer teams that may minister at specific times or may have a different purpose such as our noon prayer team, our Sunday ministry team, or our pre-service prayer team.

The promises and principles found in God's Word are the basis for all effective prayer ministry. Click here to see the Scriptures that form the biblical framework for our ministry. The CrossBridge elders and pastors are committed to ministering in a way that is solidly biblical. If we don't find it in the Bible, we don't do it. This strong biblical grounding gives the Holy Spirit room to do what only he can do. We seek to be humble before the Lord and to honor the people who come for ministry. We also maintain a strong system of accountability and confidentiality. To the glory of God, hundreds of people have been encouraged, strengthened and drawn closer to Christ through our prayer ministry.

During a prayer time, you will meet with two to three prayer team members, usually of the same gender. One team member will primarily lead the prayer time with help from the other two members. This team will have prayed on your behalf prior your appointment, and seeks the Lord’s leading during the actual prayer time as well. The prayer time will center on scripture and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead through applicable areas such as forgiveness, repentance, identifying and removing lies or ungodly beliefs, confession of sin, and receiving God’s truth and his heart toward you. There will also be a time of blessing during the prayer session. Both you and the team will be active participants in the prayer time as we seek the Lord’s heart together.

There are no specific qualifications necessary, but for a person to gain freedom, he or she must be honest and desire to be free and be willing to submit to God’s Word. It is ideal if the person is a Christian, ready to deal with sin and repent, and if applicable, willing to be transparent and honest about the places that are hidden that he/she would not want anyone to know about.

The person must be willing to forgive others and let go of judgment. He/She must want freedom and not just relief. Being under clear church authority and accountable to members of the church is also helpful. Finally, one should expect God to lead the prayer time and be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, without false expectations or prejudicial notions of what should occur.

Everything that is said and done is held in the strictest of confidentiality. However, the information, as needed, may be shared with other leaders in the prayer team so as to help you continue in the freedom you have gained. With your permission, this may include future meetings with mentors in the church to set appropriate boundaries for your personal and spiritual growth. Furthermore, if there appears to be personal danger to you or to someone else that is discussed during the prayer time, the prayer team may be obliged to share information for your safety or the safety of others.

It is our goal that everyone who receives prayer is in a discipleship relationship and walking in close community with the body of Christ. At CrossBridge, this ideally means that you are in a Lifegroup and in close relationship with people that will continue to walk with you in growing freedom and accountability. While prayer sessions can be powerful times of personal ministry, new-found freedom will be difficult to maintain and grow if you are not walking in close Christian community. If you are not in close community with other Christian believers, it will be our goal to help you establish these relationships.

Prayer is open to anyone who desires to meet for prayer whether you are member of CrossBridge or not. However, our goal is that everyone who comes to pray will be a part of true Christian community.

If you know someone you believe needs prayer, please direct them to this website so they can explore what the process entails and sign up for a prayer time on their own. It is important that the person coming for prayer understands what he/she is signing up for and decided this is something he/she wants to participate in.

Yes, you can bring a child for prayer. Depending on the child’s age and comfort, most often prayer would be with the child and the child’s parent or guardian. It would be helpful to email us so that we can discuss the particulars beforehand.

We will offer periodic training for people who are interested in serving on the prayer ministry team. Please email us if you are interested in serving in this capacity, and we will give you more details about what is involved in being a part of this ministry.

We recommend that you consult with the person(s) with whom you are under the care and get their permission before scheduling a prayer time. While it is likely a prayer time will only enhance your progress toward freedom, we respect and partner with practitioners and would advise they are aware of areas covered in the prayer time. While we are a prayer ministry, we are not trained or authorized in licensed counseling or medical practice. We recommend you continue in whatever treatment you currently receive and consult your doctor about your therapy and/or medications.

Our team members complete an in-depth training over several months which is followed by an apprentice period. Because of the variety and depth of hurts encountered, members are trained in confidentiality and in which circumstances professional or legal authorities should be consulted. Members are trained regarding when to speak and when to wait. Remember, the purpose is to give the Holy Spirit room to do what Jesus promised (John 14:13, 16:18).