NEWS
What is it?
What is Intercession?
Intercession is prayer directed to God on behalf of other people. It involves standing in the gap as a fellow traveler and asking God to intervene in another person’s life — whether it concerns healing, comfort, salvation, wisdom, protection, or other needs.
Clarified Further:
Biblical Background: Intercession is a central principle in the Bible. Jesus himself prays for His disciples (John 17), and Hebrews 7:25 says that Jesus “always lives to make intercession for us.” Paul also encourages the believers to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18).
Usage Today: Intercession often takes place in churches, prayer groups, or in personal contexts. Some pray silently, others lay hands on the person they pray for. Intercession can happen face-to-face or at a distance – for instance, through the use of anointing cloth or through prayer over the phone.
Symbolic and Spiritual Significance: Intercession expresses love, care, and faith. It is about bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and cooperating with God in prayer for His will to be done in people's lives. Intercession builds community and strengthens faith – both for the one who prays and the one who is prayed for.
What is an anointing cloth?
An anointing cloth is a small piece of fabric that has been prayed over and often anointed with oil, and is used in Christian faith—particularly in Pentecostal and certain Evangelical circles—as a tool for healing, intercession, and conveying God's power.
Explained:
Biblical Background: The use of anointing cloths draws support from Acts 19:11–12, where it states that God performed extraordinary miracles through the apostle Paul, so even 'handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched him were brought to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.'
Usage Today: An anointing cloth is usually a small piece of cloth that someone has prayed over with faith in God's intervention. Often it is anointed with oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The cloth can then be given to a person who is sick or in need of prayer, and placed on the body or under the pillow. It is seen as a point of contact for faith and prayer, not as a magical object. In Jesus Heals Ministries, Svein-Magne Pedersen prays over all anointing cloths that are sent to those seeking healing for their ailments.
Symbolic Meaning: The anointing cloth itself has no power. In faith, we pray that God's power will accompany the anointing cloth we send to you - and in faith, you receive God's power for healing.
What is anointing oil?
An anointing oil is an oil that is consecrated through prayer and used in the Christian faith as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, God's presence, healing, and consecration. It is used in various contexts such as prayer for the sick, consecration of people into spiritual service.
Consecrated anointing oil: Evangelist Svein-Magne Pedersen with a bottle of anointing oil in his hands.
More Detailed Explanation:
Biblical Background: The use of oil in a religious context dates back far in the Bible. In James 5:14 it says: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Oil was also used to anoint kings, priests, and prophets in the Old Testament.
Use Today: Anointing oil is usually an olive oil, often from Israel, which has been blessed or prayed over. It is often used in connection with prayer for the sick, blessing of homes, or individuals. A small cross with oil can be drawn on the forehead, or the oil may be applied to sick body parts during prayer.
Symbolic Meaning: The anointing oil is an outward sign of God's inner work. It represents the presence and power of the Holy Spirit and is used with faith that God works through the prayer. The oil itself has no power, but serves as a point of contact of faith, thereby transmitting God's power for healing.
If you want to learn more about the healing power of the anointing oil, Svein-Magne Pedersen has written a book on the subject.
Why does Jesus Heals Ministries ask for donations?
It is important to support the foundation Jesus Heals Ministries financially because the work they do is based on faith, prayer, and practical love – but is carried by your voluntary donations. Financial support makes it possible to reach out with the gospel, help sick and suffering people, and carry out prayer and care work in Norway and around the world.
Further explanation:
For the message of Jesus to reach further: Jesus Heals Ministries proclaims a clear gospel of salvation, healing, and hope — both through meetings, media, and prayer. Financial support ensures that this message can reach more people, especially those who do not know Jesus yet.
For the sick and seeking to receive help: Many contact Jesus Heals Ministries in hopes of prayer, guidance, and healing. Donations enable maintaining the prayer ministry, producing anointing cloths and anointing oil, responding to letters, and conducting follow-up work.
For the work to remain independent and faith-based: Jesus Heals Ministries does not receive public support. This provides the freedom to preach God's Word uncompromisingly. At the same time, it means that the work can only continue if people like you voluntarily donate to the mission — preferably regularly every month. Your contribution makes all the difference. Others' contributions enabled us to reach you, and we are very grateful for that.