Exercising Our Authority

While on their way to pray one day, Peter and John came upon a lame man lying at the gate of the temple asking for alms. Upon hearing his request, Peter told the man to look at them. The lame man expected to receive something from them but instead he heard Peter say, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6, ESV).

What an interesting phrase: “But what I do have.” Peter had inside of him the ability to proclaim, in the name of Jesus, “Rise up and walk!” Notice that Peter didn’t pray over the man before making this proclamation. Because he had the Holy Spirit within him, Peter knew what the Father was doing, so he could proclaim it a reality. In fact, he was so confident that he reached down, took the lame man by the right hand, and lifted him to his feet. Immediately strength entered the man’s feet and ankles and he began walking, leaping, and praising God.

There is a time to pray, “If it is Your will,” even when it comes to healing. There may be times when you are not convinced that the Lord is going to heal someone, but if you receive that sense of confidence in your spirit, don’t hold back! Begin to pray over people with faith, “You are healed in the name of Jesus!”

Extend this prayer to other situations:

“Your marriage is coming together in the name of Jesus!”

“You are set free in the name of Jesus!”

“My son/daughter is returning home in the name of Jesus!”

There is power in the name of Jesus! We need to exercise our authority to proclaim the Word of the Lord over people and circumstances because Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18).