Prayers That Heal the Heart - Session 2 - Revised & Expanded 20th Anniversary Edition

Summary of the session (Session 2: “Prayers That Heal the Heart”)

Mark Virkler explains that a “heart wound” is not an outward action (like lying), but rather the deeper attitudes, motivations, and character traits that underlie patterns of behavior.

The session’s goal is to help participants identify one primary heart wound to work on over the next seven weeks/sessions, applying seven different prayers to it.

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Key wellness / self-healing strategies and methods

Identify a “heart wound” (3–5 word phrase)

• Heart wounds are underlying conditions that drive actions—not the actions themselves.
• Example:
  • Lying is an action
  • The heart wound might be something like fear of rejection or pride (maintaining a “position of greatness”).
• Ask God to reveal the most important heart wound first (or a few).

Understand the “language of the heart” vs. the “language of the mind”

• The mind relies on logic and reason.
• The heart responds to different methods.
• Heart-change often comes through:
  • flow
  • picturing/imagination
  • emotions
  • meditation
  • (rather than purely analytical reasoning)

Use “inner healing” style prayer (heart-language practices)

When praying, aim for a state of:

• Flow: sensing/feeling inwardly; “touching” the heart
• Imagination/pictures: replacing harmful past “seared” images
• Emotions: engaging heart-level grief, fear, rage, etc.
• Meditation: praying over, pondering, murmuring, reflecting

Principle: don’t try to “kick out” darkness/anger by force—turn on the light.

“Turn from darkness to light” by inviting Jesus

If the heart feels dark (anger, rage, sin, heaviness), the suggested method is:

• Invite Jesus into the situation
• Ask Him to show what He is doing
• Allow inner illumination (heart eyes being enlightened) rather than self-struggle

Recognize what a “healed heart” looks like

A healed heart is associated with:

• faith, hope, love
• and expressions such as: joy, peace, laughter, mercy, forgiveness, honor, respect, gratitude, thankfulness, praise, belief, worship

Use indicators to detect heart wounds

Signs include:

• A recurring pressure or emotional issue that never fully goes away
• Habitual sin patterns that return despite repentance
• Out-of-control addictions or compulsive behavior

Heart wounds are framed as opposites of faith, hope, and love (the “abiding realities”).

Work method for the next seven weeks

• Choose one heart wound as the target.
• Reduce it to a 3–5 word phrase.
• Apply seven prayers across seven sessions to that one wound.
• If needed, identify additional wounds—but focus carefully so each one is properly “cleaned up” as it surfaces.

Reframe the identity/self-condemnation piece

• Participants are encouraged to be open about wounds without shame.
• Emotional acceptance is emphasized:
  • having heart wounds is normal
  • healing is available through Christ
• The process is described as lifelong sanctification—getting “brighter” over time.

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Common heart wounds listed (examples)

The speaker names eight frequent heart wounds, often captured in 3–5 words:

• Fear (often with doubt/unbelief)
• Anger (with hatred, rage, bitterness)
• Rejection / abandonment / loneliness
• Financial lack (e.g., poverty/failure)
• Sensuality (e.g., lust/pornography)
• Depression (e.g., hopelessness/despair)
• Grief (e.g., loss/sorrow)
• Shame (e.g., guilt/condemnation)

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Application homework (what to do now)

• Spend time in prayer and journaling
• Ask: “Lord, what is the heart wound you want to heal in my life?”
• Identify:
  • One primary wound for the next seven sessions, or
  • 2–3 wounds if flexibility is desired

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Presenters / sources

Presenter

• Mark Virkler

Additional contributor (referenced)

• Virkler’s wife (offers the definition of heart wounds as underlying attitudes/motivations/character traits)

Scripture sources cited throughout

• Matthew 11:29
• Hebrews 12:2
• Proverbs 15:13
• Matthew 5:8
• John 7:38
• 1 Chronicles 29:18 (KJV)
• Genesis 6:6
• Psalm 77:6
• Acts 26:18
• Ephesians 1:17–18
• 1 Corinthians 13:13

(Plus general references to “inner healing,” meditation terminology in Hebrew/Greek, and the sanctification/light theme via Peter/psalms mentioned but not fully specified.)