The Prayer Cloth - Pray with Power
“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.”
— Acts 19:11-12
What is a prayer cloth?
According to Breath of the Spirit Ministries, it is an anointed symbol of faith, healing, and divine connection.
Yes, prayer is powerful, absolutely. A prayer cloth, however, is typically a small piece of fabric that has been prayed over and may be anointed with oil to be used as a point of contact. It is dedicated to God and used as an expression of faith for healing, protection, or deliverance.
A prayer cloth is more than a ritualistic tool. It is an act of faith that our God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, still moves through the faith of His people.
Faith is key.
We cannot simply reference the Lord. We must know the Lord, believe in the power of Jesus’ name, and know who we are in Him and understand the authority He has given us as His followers.
In Acts 19:13-16, we read about some ‘Jewish exorcists’ who attempted to cast out a demon ‘by the Jesus that Paul preaches.’ Not only was this ineffective, but the demon responded, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the possessed man jumped on them and overpowered them and they ran away.
The lesson is powerful: there is authority in the Name of Jesus, but faith is not a formula, and His Name is not a phrase we use as a ritual. We must know Him, believe in Him, and walk in the authority He has given us. A prayer cloth can be a meaningful point of contact and an expression of that faith—but ultimately, the power is not in the cloth. The power is in God.
How does one pray with the prayer cloth?
Here is my own experience: I place a drop of olive oil on the cloth and ask for the Holy Spirit to anoint the oil, the cloth, and my prayer. I then begin praising God, acknowledging His greatness and goodness and for hearing me. I make my prayer requests known in Jesus’ name and by the authority given me by thanking and praising Him. The Holy Spirit’s presence becomes overflowing, as the Lord makes His presence known.
The best way I can describe this is as it is written in 2 Chronicles 7:1-2, “When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house.” It is as if the Lord comes down, scoops up my prayers, and fills the place with His glory, making His presence known. Praise Him forever!
When I finish praying with the prayer cloth, the prayer, the answer, and the glorious presence of God does not end there.
I place the cloth on the area of healing or give it to the one I prayed for. If I am praying for someone long distance, I keep it where I pray and use it during my devotional time. I keep it close as a symbol of continual prayer knowing that God’s hand is not shortened, and His ear is never closed. You can take part in the gifts of being His child by taking your prayers to the next level to connect with Him and to bask in His glorious presence.