HDR Candidate: Newton, Judith


Title of Project What aspects of inner healing prayer do Australian clients find most helpful to well-being?
Course of Study Doctor of Ministry
Language of Instruction English
Abstract

This research will investigate Inner Healing Prayer Ministry, (IHP), a prayer-based, Holy Spirit led Christian method of therapy, which has burgeoned in the past few decades resulting in an influx of a variety of models and methodologies. It aims to heal emotional distress, through using interventions which help people engage with God at the deep levels of the inner person, facilitating the goals of Christian discipleship. The goal of the research is to find out which aspects common to five Australian models currently practiced are the most helpful to clients in improving their wellbeing. The research is located in the discipline of practical theology informed by a combination of theological assumptions, pastoral theology, and psychological dynamics. A theoretical basis of change, using Transformational Theory provides a platform for viewing IHP and undergirds the research of inner healing. This research intends to fill the gap in research of the specific and unique focuses of IHP; the context of memory, and change empowered by the Holy Spirit. A qualitative phenomenological methodological approach was chosen as a suitable method in which to provide a deep exploration of the practice of IHP in peoples’ lives.  Only those who have attested to it being a significant facilitator of wellbeing are interviewed to provide information rich data. Identifying the most helpful facets of IHP should contribute to the future of the sound and effective practice of IHP.