Depending on what the prayer request is, I may ask whether a parent, spouse or blood relative can be present when we pray. Here’s why:
Parent: In Genesis 2:18-20, Adam was given the duty to name all of the animals. When he did, he received authority over them, thus fulfilling God’s wish in Gen 1:26. Since we name our children, we have not only legal and moral authority over them, but biblical authority. Many times I have prayed for someone, saw no results, and then invited one or both parents into the prayer session and then healing occurred. I have also heard of exorcists inviting parents in to pray over the energumen (the possessed). Why? Because they have authority that no priest, bishop, exorcist, or deacon has – Biblical authority.
For example: “In the name of Jesus Christ and under the power and authority as this child’s parent, I command this arm to be healed.”
Spouse: Marriage is not a man-made invention – marriage was created by God. Man and women were created to love, honor and obey each other and just as they give authority over each other as part of the marital vows, I have found that this authority can be leveraged in prayer. Many times my wife and I have prayed for each other with great effect and often times when praying for someone and nothing is happening, if the parent of the person is present, I bring them into the situation and healing occurs.
For example: “In the name of Jesus Christ and under the power and authority of the marital bond, I command my spouses knee to be healed”.
Blood relative: The Bible has many references to the importance of genealogy and lineage. Indeed, the Gospel of Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus and I have had more than a few occasions where I have taught family members to pray for other family members and healing has occurred.
For example: “In the name of Jesus Christ and under the power of the blood we share, I command healing in my (cousin, sister, niece, etc.)
So in the end, there is authority and then there is AUTHORITY!