Isaiah 61
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound”.
- Isaiah 61:1 -
What is the Isaiah 61 Ministry?
Isaiah 61 is simply the name of a specific prayer ministry at Living Rock 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 intercessory prayer team, our Sunday ministry team, or our pre-service prayer team.
In Galatians 5:1, God tells us that Jesus came so that we might be free from the debilitating effects of sin. He doesn't want our lives to be weighed down by fear, bitterness, unforgiveness, pain, anger, lust, or anything else that keeps us from experiencing the fullness of his love for us (Eph. 3:18-19). Granted, this side of heaven, we struggle with our flesh and spiritual attack, but 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that God has given us everything we need to guard our freedom, resist sin, and walk in godliness. There really is hope for living in victory!
Sometimes, though, we run into obstacles that keep us from experiencing the love of God. Past hurts, sin, lies or strongholds, left unaddressed, get in our way. The Bible’s answer to this is repentance; turning away from whatever hinders us. The Bible also clearly describes how we can identify these obstacles and how we find power for walking in freedom.
The main goal of the Isaiah 61 prayer ministry is to allow the Holy Spirit to identify and to address things hindering a deeper personal relationship with God.
This ministry uses a biblical framework to give the Holy Spirit room to address inner hurts and wounds, identify and break strongholds, and bring healing and freedom, all with the purpose of knowing God better (Eph. 1:17).
While God can meet us anytime in any way, he’s made a promise that when two or more of us gather in his name, that he blesses us with his presence (Matt. 18:20).
When we wait on him together, we can confidently expect him to reveal himself and, as our hearts are tender and open to him, we can trust he will guide us into truth (John 16:13).
Steps to schedule a prayer time:
1. Click on THIS LINK to fill out a questionnaire that will be emailed to request a prayer time.
2. Once the questionnaire is received, an email will be sent to you with your scheduled prayer time and further instructions.
3. Email Isaiah61@living-rock.org if you have any questions or concerns or would like to discuss anything before scheduling.
What People Are Saying
“I went into this experience not having a clue what to expect (being a believer for forty years, and feeling there was nothing more to do). All I can say, is PLEASE do yourself a favor, and partake of this “gift”. I learned more about myself, and still, weeks later, am receiving answers to unspoken needs, and a new closeness to God. I thank the Lord for creating this ministry, and for the selfless and tireless efforts of the workers.”
“The Isaiah 61 team made me feel so comfortable and safe to share with them. They prayed for me but they also gave me tools on how to pray through things myself moving forward. I left feeling hopeful and encouraged by their visions and words over me.”
“Isaiah 61 helped me determine the deeper things going on within myself and helped me to let them go and find peace even in the midst of turmoil.”
“Isaiah 61 helped me determine the deeper things going on within myself and helped me to let them go and find peace even in the midst of turmoil.”
“I was so nervous for my Isaiah 61 experience, but right as I arrived I felt very welcomed. The team led me in prayer, giving all of my troubles and worries to God, and ever since I’ve felt so much relief. I would highly recommend if you are feeling the need to reconnect with God!”
“Four years after my husband’s death, I continued to carry a tremendous burden. That burden was filled with grief, anger, unforgiveness, guilt and shame. No one can live with that. I couldn’t move forward. Kept feeling that it was mine to carry but that is not true. Through the Isaiah 61 Ministry I learned my burden didn’t belong to me - it belonged to Jesus and I had to leave it with Him. Through prayer and confession, I was able to leave it at the Cross and it is still there. And it is still there.
I am so different now and so blessed to been able to participate with this ministry.”
“Isaiah 61 helped me determine the deeper things going on within myself and helped me to let them go and find peace even in the midst of turmoil.”
“After Isaiah 61 I am learning to trust the Lord and put things in his hands more. They helped me to be able to tell satan NO when he tries to remind me of things. I just remind him I am forgiven.”
“First, I want to thank you guys for the time, energy, and prayer you put into this ministry. It was obvious to me that all I met with are deeply invested; and I'm sure that's true with all the other team members as well.
The first thought that comes to my mind following my experience is how free I suddenly feel. God is still working with me on the issue I originally came with-- and we're making progress-- but so much more rose to the surface. I said some things out loud that I have never said to another human being. I never thought I needed to; but I can't believe how much that set me free. Also, I felt so safe that I didn't hesitate to share.
I pray for this ministry daily; and I praise God for what he has already done and what he will do in the future through you steadfast and courageous advocates. Thank you. I love you guys.”
“Trauma and wounds had accumulated throughout my life to my detriment. I tried to address them and I tried to ignore them - but they turned up like rodents in a Wack-A-Mole game.
Issues that I hadn't been able to conquer myself or even with the Holy Spirit, have been successfully healed through the Isaiah 61 Ministry team working under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Issues have been dispelled in my life and my walk with the Lord has become closer, more personal; even vibrant. I'm so very grateful!!!”
“I was so nervous for my Isaiah 61 experience, but right as I arrived I felt very welcomed. The team led me in prayer, giving all of my troubles and worries to God, and ever since I’ve felt so much relief. I would highly recommend if you are feeling the need to reconnect with God!”
“The Isaiah 61 team made me feel so comfortable and safe to share with them. They prayed for me but they also gave me tools on how to pray through things myself moving forward. I left feeling hopeful and encouraged by their visions and words over me.”
“God has shown us through Pastor’s sermon series, In the Grip of God, that “rubble” and “trash” interfere with rebuilding and restoration. Accumulated “trash” gets in the way and it is a source of discouragement. Because we live in broken world, all of us have an accumulation of “trash” within. We may try to move it out of the way—stow in the attic or basement—but it is still there interfering with rebuilding and bringing discouragement. The Isaiah 61 ministry is a God-directed work of “taking out the trash” for good. Whether you are someone whose “rubble” has accumulated to the point that you can’t get around it anymore or someone who has managed to temporarily store it out of sight, the Isaiah 61 ministry can help you do a real housecleaning.”
“Isaiah 61 showed me that I was not over grieving the loss of my brother. The prayer of Isaiah 61 helped bring that out and helped me to do better and now I don’t feel that feeling that I cannot get over losing my brother.”
“My experience in coming to Isaiah 61 was a great experience it helped me a lot it helped me forgive the people that I needed to forgive it also helped me work on opening up more. I would go back.”
“Isaiah 61 freed me from fears and anxiety that I’ve had since childhood. I’m able to lead a fuller life now and I’m so grateful.”
“Isaiah 61 was a life changing experience for me! The Lord through them brought me to a place of new healing! They helped me to let go of pain that was deep down in my soul! They are so kind and I know I can say anything and trust them! God is truly working in this ministry.”
“When I went to Isaiah 61 they helped me with worrying. Since then I am learning to trust the Lord and put things in his hands. I can now tell Satan and I am forgiven I am a child of God and you need to go.”
“When I went to Isaiah 61 they helped me with worrying. Since then I am learning to trust the Lord and put things in His hands. I can now tell Satan and I am forgiven I am a child of God and you need to go.”
“The Isaiah 61 Ministry was such a blessing to me. I needed help to guide me through things in my life that were pulling me down. When I went for the first time I did not know what to expect. I will be honest, it was intense, but God started breaking down the walls in my life, walls I knew were there and walls I didn’t know we’re there. God doesn’t want us to be stuck and just getting by. He wants us to be free. Isaiah 61 is there to help guide you, pray for and with you when you can’t just do it alone. I am still a work in progress! Isaiah 61 is like Aaron and Hur lifting up the arms of Moses. They help us win the battle”.
“Isaiah 61 freed me from fears and anxiety that I’ve had since childhood. I’m able to lead a fuller life now and I’m so grateful.”
FAQs
What is Living Rock's Isaiah 61 Ministry?
Isaiah 61 is simply the name of a specific prayer ministry at Living Rock 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 intercessory prayer team, our Sunday ministry team, or our pre-service prayer team.
Why does Living Rock have a specific ministry for this?
The truth is, any Christian can grab a couple of brothers or sisters in Christ and go before the Lord together, pooling their faith in prayer as they wait on the Lord in active support of the person who is struggling. The reality, however, is that most of us don't have these type of relationships. At Living Rock, we hope to be a community that is safe, living in transparent relationship with God and with one another. This should be evident in all areas of life and ministry in our body. Members of our Isaiah 61 Prayer team are committed to the intercession and faith required to pray for those in need and sincerely take joy in serving in that capacity, always encouraging the individual back into community life to further grow their freedom in Christ.
How does scripture figure into the Isaiah 61 Ministry?
The promises and principles found in God's Word are the basis for all effective prayer ministry. The Living Rock leaders 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.
What does a prayer time look like?
Each prayer time will be scheduled for up to 2 hours. During a prayer time, you will meet with 2-3 prayer team members, usually with at least one team member of the same gender. One team member will primarily lead the prayer time with help from the other two members. This team will have been praying on your behalf prior your appointment, and will be seeking 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 towards 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.
Someone can accompany you to the appointment but will be asked to wait outside the prayer room. We will take abbreviated notes during the prayer time, so you can remember what transpired and share with others as you feel comfortable.
At the conclusion of your appointment, we’ll give you any notes we’ve taken during prayer, so you can remember what the Lord has done in our time together. We’ll also share scripture with you as we feel led, give you some information on next steps you can take to continue in your healing and encourage you to come back for more prayer as often as you feel led.
Are there qualifications to receive prayer?
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 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 open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, without false expectations or prejudicial notions of what should occur.
Is my Prayer Session confidentional?
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 Isaiah 61 ministry prayer team so as to help you continue in the freedom you have gained. 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.
Can I receive prayer if I'm not a member of Living Rock Church?
Prayer is open to anyone who desires to meet for prayer whether you are member of Living Rock Church or not. However, our goal is that everyone who comes to pray will be a part of true Christian community.
Can I sign up for a friend or family member?
If you know of 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 they are signing up for and have made an independent decision that this is something they want to request for themselves.
Can I bring a child for prayer?
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 is strongly recommended that parents first experience this prayer ministry for themselves which not only brings healing to the parents, but also aids in helping them understand what their children will be experiencing. It would be helpful to email us at Isaiah61@living-rock.org so that we can discuss the particulars beforehand.
What if I'm under the care of psychiatrist, psycologist, or counselor?
We recommend that you consult with the person(s) whom you are under the care of and get their permission before scheduling a prayer time. While likely a prayer time will only enhance your progress towards freedom, we respect and partner with practitioners and would advise that 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 that you continue in whatever treatment you are currently receiving and consult your doctor about your therapy and/or medications.
The prayer team is comprised of "trained" team members - what does that entail?
Our team members complete an in-depth training over several months. Because of the variety and depth of hurts that are 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). The Isaiah 61 ministry team are not trained or licensed professionals of counseling, therapy, or medical services. The team members are, to the best of their ability, doing what they can to help you achieve more freedom in your life.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.
— Ephesians 1:17