Derek Prince On Healing: Discovering God's Power

Hey guys! Have you ever wondered about divine healing and how it all works? Well, let's dive into the teachings of Derek Prince, a renowned Bible teacher who has profoundly impacted many lives through his insights on faith, healing, and spiritual warfare. This article explores Derek Prince's perspectives on healing, offering a comprehensive overview of his teachings and how you can apply them to your life.

Who Was Derek Prince?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of healing, let’s talk a bit about the man himself. Derek Prince (1915-2003) was a British-born Bible scholar whose ministry spanned over six decades. Educated at Eton College and Cambridge University, he initially studied philosophy and ancient languages. However, his life took a dramatic turn during his service in the British Army in World War II when he had a profound encounter with God. This experience led him to dedicate his life to studying and teaching the Bible.

Prince's teachings are characterized by their in-depth scriptural analysis and practical application. He covered a wide range of topics, including faith, healing, deliverance, and prophecy. His ability to explain complex theological concepts in a clear and accessible manner made him a popular speaker and author worldwide. His legacy continues through his extensive library of books, audio recordings, and video teachings, which are still widely accessed today.

Derek Prince's Foundational Beliefs

• The Bible as the Ultimate Authority: Derek Prince firmly believed that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. All his teachings were rooted in Scripture, and he encouraged believers to study the Bible diligently.
• The Atonement Includes Healing: Prince taught that Jesus's atoning sacrifice on the cross not only provided forgiveness for sins but also healing for physical and emotional ailments. He emphasized that healing is part of God's redemptive plan for humanity.
• The Importance of Faith: Faith is a central theme in Derek Prince's teachings on healing. He explained that faith is not just a mental assent but a confident trust in God and His promises. He encouraged believers to develop their faith through studying the Word of God and prayer.

Derek Prince's Teachings on Healing

Okay, let's get into the heart of the matter: Derek Prince's teachings on healing. According to Prince, divine healing is a provision of God available to all believers through the atonement of Jesus Christ. He emphasized that it's God's will to heal and that healing is often hindered by a lack of understanding and faith. So, how did Derek Prince break down the process of receiving healing? Let’s explore some key aspects.

The Atonement and Healing

Derek Prince based his teachings on healing on the belief that healing is included in the atonement. In other words, when Jesus died on the cross, He not only took away our sins but also bore our sicknesses and diseases. Isaiah 53:4-5 is a key scripture here: “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Prince explained that this scripture reveals that Jesus paid the price for both our spiritual and physical well-being. By understanding this, believers can confidently approach God for healing, knowing that it is their right through Christ. He often emphasized that healing is not something God might do, but something He has already provided through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Faith: The Key to Receiving Healing

Faith plays a crucial role in receiving healing, according to Derek Prince. He defined faith as *“*the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). In the context of healing, faith is the confident expectation that God will fulfill His promise to heal. Prince highlighted that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Therefore, immersing oneself in Scripture is essential for building faith for healing.

Prince also distinguished between different types of faith. He spoke about saving faith, which leads to salvation, and faith for healing, which is specifically directed towards receiving physical or emotional healing. He taught that believers could develop their faith for healing by studying scriptures related to healing, listening to testimonies of others who have been healed, and praying in faith. He also emphasized the importance of acting on one's faith, taking steps to receive healing, and not wavering in doubt.

Identifying Hindrances to Healing

Derek Prince also addressed potential hindrances to receiving healing. He identified several factors that can block the flow of God's healing power. One of the most common hindrances is unconfessed sin. Prince taught that sin can create a barrier between God and the believer, hindering the effectiveness of prayer. Therefore, he encouraged believers to confess their sins and repent, seeking forgiveness from God.

Another hindrance he identified is unforgiveness. Holding onto bitterness and resentment towards others can block healing. Jesus taught that we must forgive others if we want to be forgiven (Mark 11:25). Prince emphasized that releasing forgiveness is essential for receiving healing and experiencing wholeness.

Fear and unbelief are also significant hindrances. Doubt can undermine faith and prevent believers from receiving what they are believing for. Prince encouraged believers to replace fear and doubt with faith by meditating on God's promises and speaking words of faith.

The Role of Prayer and Fasting

Prayer and fasting are important tools in seeking healing, according to Derek Prince. He taught that prayer is a vital means of communicating with God, presenting our needs to Him, and receiving His guidance and strength. Fasting, combined with prayer, can intensify our spiritual focus and create an atmosphere for breakthrough. Prince explained that fasting involves abstaining from food for a specific period, allowing us to humble ourselves before God and seek His face more earnestly.

He also highlighted the importance of praying in agreement with others. Jesus said, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:19). Praying with others who share your faith can strengthen your belief and increase the likelihood of receiving healing. Prince encouraged believers to find prayer partners who can support them in their journey towards healing.

Practical Steps to Receiving Healing According to Derek Prince

Alright, so how do we put all this into practice? Derek Prince outlined several practical steps that believers can take to receive healing. Let’s break them down:

1. Confess Your Sins and Repent: As mentioned earlier, unconfessed sin can hinder healing. Take time to examine your life and confess any known sins to God. Repent, turning away from those sins and seeking God's forgiveness.
2. Forgive Others: Release any bitterness or resentment you may be holding towards others. Forgiveness is essential for healing, both physically and emotionally.
3. Study the Word of God: Immerse yourself in Scripture, focusing on verses that speak about healing. Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. The more you read and meditate on God's promises, the stronger your faith will become.
4. Pray in Faith: Approach God with confidence, believing that He is willing and able to heal you. Present your request to Him, trusting in His love and power. Don't waver in doubt, but stand firm in your faith.
5. Receive Prayer from Others: Seek out prayer from elders in the church or trusted Christian friends. James 5:14-15 instructs us to call on the elders of the church to pray for the sick, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.
6. Act on Your Faith: Take steps to receive your healing, even if you don't feel completely healed at first. This might involve starting to do things you couldn't do before or speaking words of faith over your body.
7. Persevere: Don't give up if you don't see immediate results. Healing can sometimes be a process that unfolds over time. Continue to believe, pray, and act on your faith, trusting that God will bring you complete healing.

Key Books and Resources by Derek Prince on Healing

If you're eager to delve deeper into Derek Prince's teachings on healing, here are a few key books and resources to check out:

• Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose!: This book explores the power of words and how they can impact our lives, either for good or for evil. It includes a section on breaking curses and receiving healing.
• God Is a Matchmaker: While not exclusively about healing, this book touches on emotional and spiritual healing in the context of relationships and family life.
• They Shall Expel Demons: This book addresses the topic of spiritual warfare and deliverance, which can often be related to healing. It provides insights into how to overcome demonic oppression and experience freedom.
• YouTube and Online Resources: Derek Prince Ministries offers a wealth of free resources on their website and YouTube channel, including audio and video teachings on healing. These resources can be a valuable supplement to his books.

Conclusion

Derek Prince's teachings on healing offer a comprehensive and biblically grounded approach to receiving divine healing. By understanding the atonement, developing faith, removing hindrances, and taking practical steps, believers can position themselves to receive God's healing touch. Remember, healing is not just a possibility but a provision of God available to all who believe. So, immerse yourself in God's Word, cultivate your faith, and confidently approach Him for healing. You've got this!