Healing rooms

[Libre]

Some in my church are very much into healing rooms. I live in WA where a lot of these began. In fact I am attending the Spiritual Hunger Conference in Spokane in Sept.

What do any of you know about the doctrines held by some of those who are a part of this movement? The healing rooms are closely associated with the teachings of Sandford and others in prophetic and inner healing ministry (ie Elijah House in Spokane WA)

I have read the some of these folks believe in the pre-existence of the soul or spirit. The Riveras, who do soaking music ministry, have a track on one of their CDs where they are asking God to open our eyes so we can see Him as we did before we were knit together in our mother's' womb. I find this disturbing, but wouldn't throw out the baby with the bath necessarily.

I highly respect my pastors and they support healing rooms. We are a Christian & Missionary Alliance, BTW.

 

[Elijah2]

Some in my church are very much into healing rooms. I live in WA where a lot of these began. In fact I am attending the Spiritual Hunger Conference in Spokane in Sept.

What do any of you know about the doctrines held by some of those who are a part of this movement? The healing rooms are closely associated with the teachings of Sandford and others in prophetic and inner healing ministry (ie Elijah House in Spokane WA)

I have read the some of these folks believe in the pre-existence of the soul or spirit. The Riveras, who do soaking music ministry, have a track on one of their CDs where they are asking God to open our eyes so we can see Him as we did before we were knit together in our mother's' womb. I find this disturbing, but wouldn't throw out the baby with the bath necessarily.

I highly respect my pastors and they support healing rooms. We are a Christian & Missionary Alliance, BTW.

I have seen enough of the healing rooms in my country to say that they do more damage than good. The rooms that I have come across are overboard and borders on magick and are not biblical.

Tread very cautiously, as even the ELECT can be deceived, including your pastors.

Blessings

 

[gratefulgrace]

Don't know too much but a couple of ladies in our church have taken the course and I respect their walk with the Lord. We have a group that meets on Wednesdays in our church and are open for those wanting prayers.

The idea of the pre existance of the soul is not a new idea. I remember years ago at a Women Aglow retreat we had a lovely Catholic Nun who spoke and talked about that. The rest was fine but I think the leadership were not happy about that. Perhaps it is a Roman or Orthodox Catholic doctrine. i had never heard of it before. I have been ministered to in inner healing the lady in our area who taught it was a rock solid believer and I trusted her. There was good fruit from her ministry Unfortunately she got old and died. For us anyway. gg

 

[gratefulgrace]

Her name was Joan James here in the Vancouver Canada area. I don't recall using any literature by Sanford at all. gg

 

[gratefulgrace]

This web link may help answer some of your questions about The Healing Rooms ministry.
Healing Rooms of Tulare - Frequently Asked Questions

 

[Libre]

Good article/link. I agree with what it says. I have believed in healing for 30 some years, and have had some inner healing in the past. One of my pastors keeps talking about continued inner healing, but one can get stuck there. When our eyes are on our past hurts and so on, guess where they aren't?

Pre-existence of the soul/spirit is a very pagan idea. It's sad to see it creep in to our Christian thinking. But there are other pagan ideas that we accept without blinking, and we can still walk with Jesus. He overcomes!

Hey, how hot is it there today? We are over 101, even on the island where I live across from Seattle - breaking records left and right. My apartment is 85 degrees, with no A/C - most don't have that here. But the humidity is 16%. Not bad. I came here from Ohio. There it would be at least 85%. And I would definitely have A/C.

 

[Elijah2]

Libre, we all need to be very wary. From my own personal experiences, and testimonies of mature believers, I've found much of the information available on “healing rooms” is disjointed and that there are several different versions of “healing rooms”.

I’ve heard that some of “Healing Rooms Ministry” that are newer, are less shady than others; and have seen a lot lately coming from false revivals.

Some are a pat on the back, Jesus loves you, lets lay our hands on you and ask if you have prayer requests for physical, emotional, or mental issues. But, you need to be aware, beware, and don’t be unaware of who is laying hands on you, because there is always a competition going on between those involved who can pray better, or being wiser, to a point of becoming ridiculous and prideful.

I experienced that myself through a Canadian visitor from the Healing Rooms in Canada. It was a farce, and it cost you! They all walked around in a form of godliness, and tried to make out their “healing rooms” was the latest God Hospital placed on earth. They claimed to have healed many people with all sorts of ailments from deafness to brain tumours, and rising the dead by laying on of hands and "imparting" their gifts of the "Holy" Spirit. But, they were only words and no legal documentation of proof.

The one that I experiences was a circus act and much false teaching, and they used every sort of ritual going for healing. And it cost some bucks to receive what they had to offer. So much for verily receive, verily give.

They claim that their group of colleagues were so gifted by the spirit, and because they send someone flying to the floor in a heap, and lies motionless, often for hours, then you should really begin to wonder what sort of spirit was being imparted at that time. A Scripture came to mind: “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God” (Lev. 19:31)

So, be very wary my dear sister, and only you will know what is of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Libre]

Thank you Elijah2. I respect your opinion and your eldership in the faith. I myself am moving into eldership - not an official thing, mind you, but in respect to age and length of time walking with Jesus.

If these healers charge, they are suspect for sure. I think that is why there now is an association of healing rooms that is distinct.

God gave me the gift of discernment years ago, and it has served well. Yes, we can be deceived, but only for a season, if we truly continue in the way of Christ.

I think my biggest concern, since I know and respect the leadership of my church leadership and the ones who are involved in healing rooms, are the side issues, like the pre-existing soul, that I have come across. There is also an undue emphasis on addressing devils and Satan himself, IMO. And on certain psychological conditions that are not in the domain of faith, but medicine.

One of the main reasons I am going to the Spiritual Hunger Conference in Sept is to see for myself. Discernment works best face to face.

Peace to you,
Libre

PS Elijah is a favorite of mine

 

[gratefulgrace]

There is absolutely no cost for the Healing Room ministry I am familiar with. It does cost to take the training sessions but it is very reasonable I think around $30 Canadian for the materials.

Yes I agree we should not get caught up in the inner healing thing. It was meaningful to me at a time and place in my life where I was dealing with the effects of past sexual abuse and was truly a wonderful release knowing that Jesus was with me through it all and helping me get past the hurt child I had locked inside of my soul. gg

 

[gratefulgrace]

BTW the training is for counsellors/prayer warriors not for those wanting healing. gg

 

[Libre]

BTW the training is for counsellors/prayer warriors not for those wanting healing. gg

Yes, I know. I have a couple of friends who are training for healing ministry at a healing room near here. They are spiritually in tune and mature Christians - no novices for sure.

And I know some who are currently under intense ministry for physical problems. I have prayed protection for them, but have not heard anything negative. Neither have I visited the room with them. Perhaps I will one day. I don't have a car, so someone will have to invite me to go with them.

 

[Elijah2]

Thank you Elijah2. I respect your opinion and your eldership in the faith. I myself am moving into eldership - not an official thing, mind you, but in respect to age and length of time walking with Jesus.

If these healers charge, they are suspect for sure. I think that is why there now is an association of healing rooms that is distinct.

God gave me the gift of discernment years ago, and it has served well. Yes, we can be deceived, but only for a season, if we truly continue in the way of Christ.

I think my biggest concern, since I know and respect the leadership of my church leadership and the ones who are involved in healing rooms, are the side issues, like the pre-existing soul, that I have come across. There is also an undue emphasis on addressing devils and Satan himself, IMO. And on certain psychological conditions that are not in the domain of faith, but medicine.

One of the main reasons I am going to the Spiritual Hunger Conference in Sept is to see for myself. Discernment works best face to face.

Peace to you,
Libre

PS Elijah is a favorite of mine

That's good, take care, and keep you eyes and ears open.

Ah, the Spirit of Elijah is amongst us.

Blessings.

 

[Moireasdan]

Hi Folks,

I'm the web developer for HealingRooms dot com, the website of the International Association of Healing Rooms. I just happened across this discussion via Google (thanks, Google!).

I get regular updates from Google's spidering across the web, and I've noticed a few groupings of things relating to the search term "Healing Rooms."

The first grouping is for those Healing Rooms which I'm familiar with, which are part of the International Association of Healing Rooms. If someone wants to verify whether a local Healing Room is part of that association, they can go to International Association of Healing Rooms (the healing rooms dot com address I mentioned) and click on "Find a Healing Room Near You." If a local Healing Room starts to act fishy, then on that same page, if a visitor clicks on "View the regional home page", they can see the contact information for the regional or national supervisor, whom they can contact.

A second search result, which I rarely see, is articles about an organization, John G Lake Ministries, which also trains people for healing (titled Healing Technicians). It's separate from the organization I just described, but there seem to be several similarities.

A third search result, which I'm seeing a lot of Google alerts on recently, is about a metaphysical, new age trend which uses the term "healing rooms" to refer to individual makeshift bedrooms in a house that are modeled to accommodate meditation. At least that's my understanding of it, from what I've seen online.

And there is an occasional article or blog posting that I come across that doesn't fit into any of the three groups above, such as a church somewhere in the UK that opened up a "healing room" near a medical clinic, where people could come in and meditate. It wouldn't fall into the third grouping (the new age one), but neither would it fit into the other two groups, where people are actually prayed for, and where the local ministry is part of an overseeing organization that monitors their practice.

So I hope that anything said about healing rooms can be put into the appropriate grouping. Good luck in your research.

 

[gratefulgrace]

Hi Folks,

I'm the web developer for HealingRooms dot com, the website of the International Association of Healing Rooms. I just happened across this discussion via Google (thanks, Google!).

I get regular updates from Google's spidering across the web, and I've noticed a few groupings of things relating to the search term "Healing Rooms."

The first grouping is for those Healing Rooms which I'm familiar with, which are part of the International Association of Healing Rooms. If someone wants to verify whether a local Healing Room is part of that association, they can go to International Association of Healing Rooms (the healing rooms dot com address I mentioned) and click on "Find a Healing Room Near You." If a local Healing Room starts to act fishy, then on that same page, if a visitor clicks on "View the regional home page", they can see the contact information for the regional or national supervisor, whom they can contact.

A second search result, which I rarely see, is articles about an organization, John G Lake Ministries, which also trains people for healing (titled Healing Technicians). It's separate from the organization I just described, but there seem to be several similarities.

A third search result, which I'm seeing a lot of Google alerts on recently, is about a metaphysical, new age trend which uses the term "healing rooms" to refer to individual makeshift bedrooms in a house that are modeled to accommodate meditation. At least that's my understanding of it, from what I've seen online.

And there is an occasional article or blog posting that I come across that doesn't fit into any of the three groups above, such as a church somewhere in the UK that opened up a "healing room" near a medical clinic, where people could come in and meditate. It wouldn't fall into the third grouping (the new age one), but neither would it fit into the other two groups, where people are actually prayed for, and where the local ministry is part of an overseeing organization that monitors their practice.

So I hope that anything said about healing rooms can be put into the appropriate grouping. Good luck in your research.

This is great information thank you. gg

 

[gratefulgrace]

In the link to International Association of Healing Rooms there seems to be quite a connection with John G Lake. AS at Healing rooms History Healing Rooms - History

So what do you mean when you say that they are separate from the organization you do web stuff for. could you include the web link to the organization you represent? BTW the Healing
Rooms I am aware of support John G Lakes contribution whether they follow his teaching exactly i am not sure but there definitely is a connection i believe. I really need to get more info. Thanks gg

 

[Libre]

This is pretty much what I have found also. And thanks to the newbie for the info. The rooms I know of are part of that association. And they have at least one book by Lake for sale on their website. They are a ministry of John Sandford, no relation to Agnes Sanford.

My gauge is that as long as God is glorified, salvation by grace through faith is preached, and Jesus is lifted up and is the focus, I don't let the side issues distract me too much. If I did, I would never find a place of fellowship or ministry, since I would always find something to disagree with.

 

[gratefulgrace]

In my further investigation is seems that they do not necessarily teach John Sandford's doctrine thus promoting the man but seek to be continually lead by the Holy Spirit. They respect his ministry as well as those of others in healing ministry in the past. gg

 

[Elijah2]

Hi Folks,

I'm the web developer for HealingRooms dot com, the website of the International Association of Healing Rooms. I just happened across this discussion via Google (thanks, Google!).

I get regular updates from Google's spidering across the web, and I've noticed a few groupings of things relating to the search term "Healing Rooms."

The first grouping is for those Healing Rooms which I'm familiar with, which are part of the International Association of Healing Rooms. If someone wants to verify whether a local Healing Room is part of that association, they can go to International Association of Healing Rooms (the healing rooms dot com address I mentioned) and click on "Find a Healing Room Near You." If a local Healing Room starts to act fishy, then on that same page, if a visitor clicks on "View the regional home page", they can see the contact information for the regional or national supervisor, whom they can contact.

A second search result, which I rarely see, is articles about an organization, John G Lake Ministries, which also trains people for healing (titled Healing Technicians). It's separate from the organization I just described, but there seem to be several similarities.

A third search result, which I'm seeing a lot of Google alerts on recently, is about a metaphysical, new age trend which uses the term "healing rooms" to refer to individual makeshift bedrooms in a house that are modeled to accommodate meditation. At least that's my understanding of it, from what I've seen online.

And there is an occasional article or blog posting that I come across that doesn't fit into any of the three groups above, such as a church somewhere in the UK that opened up a "healing room" near a medical clinic, where people could come in and meditate. It wouldn't fall into the third grouping (the new age one), but neither would it fit into the other two groups, where people are actually prayed for, and where the local ministry is part of an overseeing organization that monitors their practice.

So I hope that anything said about healing rooms can be put into the appropriate grouping. Good luck in your research.

That is exactly what I have found of the many that are around, and even Patricia King the promoter of Todd Bentley was promoting "healing rooms" that were damaging to the Body of Christ by imparting false and counterfeit spirits into those who they laid hands on.

And that is why believers need to be very wary on who they allow to lay hands upon them, because of those person's past practices in prayer soaking, contemplative prayer, reki, yoga, martial arts, and myticism that has infiltrated into the Body of the spirits behind these practices.

Blessings.

 

[Elijah2]

This is pretty much what I have found also. And thanks to the newbie for the info. The rooms I know of are part of that association. And they have at least one book by Lake for sale on their website. They are a ministry of John Sandford, no relation to Agnes Sanford.

My gauge is that as long as God is glorified, salvation by grace through faith is preached, and Jesus is lifted up and is the focus, I don't let the side issues distract me too much. If I did, I would never find a place of fellowship or ministry, since I would always find something to disagree with.

As much as like some of the healing stuff of John Sandford’s, there are still many questions marks over his techniques of repenting the sins of others through inner healing.

John Sandford does align himself up with John Crowder (who is a false teacher, prophet and mystic), who is associated with Joshua Mills of gold dust fame and Todd Bentley; Lucy Rael, a stigmatic; and many others of C Peter Wagner’s group of apostles.

John Sandford has carried on in Agnes Sandford’s inner healing practices that bordered on occultic and new age practices, who had some influence on John Wimber of the Vineyard many years ago, who also brought into the Body of Christ practices that bordered on the occult and new age practices, and possibly the Kundalini spirit..

Some of the healing practices of John is to feel the hurt and pain so as to identify with the other person’s pain, to experience their pain, and God’s pain. His says that their pain become his pain in feeling the anguish; and through it he can forgive, or deeply repent, either for myself or on behalf of the other person.

Now this practice or technique is unScriptural, because no believer in the healing ministery would ever call down upon themselves another person’s burdens or pains, such practices is occultic and new age. Our Lord Jesus Christ did it all for us, on the cross, and HE bore our griefs; HE is sympathetic to our needs and feelings and pains because of his humanity.

There is always human empathy and understanding between a counseller and counsellee and it’s a natural action, but to accept Sandford’s technique that borders on an occultic and antichrist technique, then we are denying what our Lord Jesus Christ has already achieved on the cross, once and for all.

This comes from other powerful religion’s doctrines that says a human should during a mystical experience take upon themselves the pain of another or of the world, and that religion attempts to crucify and recrucify Christ perpetually and continually and denies the triumphant cry of our Lord Jesus Christ: “It is finished!”

A person can’t repent on behalf of others, or forgive others on another’s behalf either. Real repentence is not just a mental thing of remorse, it’s a change of mind and of behaviour, and nobody can therefore do it on behalf of anybody else by its very nature.

Agnes Sanford wrote: “I have found only one way of praying for another with real power while accomplishing an act of repentance. This is the ancient method of reparation wherein one makes available the sacrificial love of Christ for another by assuming his sins and doing penance for them”.

She wrote in another book: “We tried to bring them to her mind (her repressed memories causing her grief), and had failed. There were buried so deep that she was completely unaware of their existence. So I thought, ’I will repent of them in her name’ I will say to Jesus Christ, ‘Let the grown woman free, for I will take the responsibility for her sins of fear and hate. Since she cannot see them herself to repent of them herself, I will repent of them in her name and so open the door for the forgiveness of Jesus Christ’”

These expressions of empathy above isn’t Christian, it;s occulitic and new age stuff, and the Body of Christ doesn’t need to do penance for any sins, ours or others – that is an antichrist idea of that religion who denies what was achieved by our Lord Jesus Christ two thousand years ago on the cross.

The Elijah House program has been embraced by many Catholics, because it falls in line with formulations of comfort by occultic and antichrist techniques. Now, why I say this is because charismatic catholicism has very strong ties between mysticism, the new apostles, apostasy, and interfaith ecumencism.

There are even stranger and more occultic ideas in the inner healing camp, which has creeped into many “healing rooms” around the world.

John Sandford recounts a time when his mentor Agnes Sanford was extremely depressed. She had been prayed for, but that did not seem to have an effect. Since nothing else worked, he suggested that she go outside and roll in the grass. He suggested to her that nature was able to “absorb” all the bad energy. Now that is bad and evil, because that practice and concept is Hindu that is referred to as “prana”.

As sad as it is, these ideas have infected the inner healing and deliverence movement of many “healing rooms”, and has also infected the Spiritual Warfare side of things.

The Body of Christ needs to have their eyes and ears open because many healing camps have got onto a simple chain that leads to embrace a one world mystical religion that exalts mysticism and signs over truth.

These occultic inner healing techniques, occultic spiritual warfare techniques has opened up a can of worms when some believe that we can repent on the behalf of a hurting, blinded, and weak person; or on behalf of a city or nation to cleanse their hands and purify their hearts of sin and demons; such occultic techinques and practices were displayed at the last great farce and false revival sometime ago in Florida.

 

[Libre]

Too long to quote, Elijah2. But you put it well. My spiritual antennae came up a bit, and that's why I wanted this discussion. If only so that I may be used to bring some of it to light if and when it rears up.

I may have a discussion with my pastor before it's all said and done. I love them all too much to see them get sidetracked just because they want the presence of God in their lives or desperately seek healing. Jesus paid it all. And while God can touch us and we can get a deeper experience of Him, we don't need to use special means.

But I have to admit, this old happy-clappy person likes the idea of slowing down once in a while and soaking up the presence of God. There is a time to dance and a time to be still.

Thank you for your research. Just when you think all that old stuff has gone away........ it comes back in a new form. Sigh.