Dr. Ed Smith has been developing and deploying a model of therapeutic prayer since 1995. Originally termed “Theophostic Prayer (theophostic, from the Greek: “God is light”), it is now known as Transformation Prayer. After extensive dialogue and clarifications, Dr. Smith has differentiated this model from some misunderstandings and misuse.

In an earlier edition of the training manual, Smith explained the nature of soul transformation by discerning the spirit, soul, and body distinctions in man.

“Transformed living and freedom from emotional pain is a natural byproduct of the word of Truth being “implanted” in the mind [sometimes used interchangeably with “soul”]. James 1:21: [“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.]

The mind is made new through the end planting of God’s truth resulting in “soul” salvation [deliverance from the influence of sin and deception].

The salvation of the “soul” is not referring to spiritual rebirth in this passage [James 1:21], otherwise, this verse would imply, “works salvation.” [see Romans 4:1-5].

Our true identity is uncovered by the renewal of the mind. Rom. 12:2

Our complete salvation comes in several stages. “May the God of peace sanctify you entirely in spirit, soul, and body” 1 Thess. 5:23

[Illustrated this way in the workbook]

• Spirit man: “If anyone be in Christ they are a new creature.” 2 Cor. 5:17
• Mind/soul: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Rom. 12:2).
• Body/flesh and blood: “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.” 1 Cor. 15:30 [The body will be redeemed through being raised and glorified, Rom. 8:23; Phil. 3:20.]

Smith continues to use these distinctions with a concentric circles diagram (of spirit in the soul, which is in the body).[1]

Having gone through three of his seminars, I sense this spirit, soul, body model and been beneficial in the development of Transformation Prayer. In a more recent book Smith refers to restoring the soul this way:

“The lie-based beliefs we hold in our hearts hinder us from knowing the reality of who we are in Christ and the fullness of His sufficiency. Until the Spirit persuades us of the truth, these lies will dictate how we view our needs, and disappointment will follow. If we believe [in the soul] we are unloved, rejected, empty, overlooked, lacking, deprived, unimportant, and worthless, etc., we will be blinded to the truth and continue to look to others to fulfill us. The truth is that we are already made full in Christ [spiritually] whether this feels true or not. He has provided all we need of love, joy, peace, and all the fruit of the Spirit.”[2]

For free resources on this model of healing prayer, see See TransformationPrayer.org

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[1] Ed M. Smith, Beyond Tolerable Recovery (Basic seminar workbook), (1999) pp. 28, 29
[2] Ed M. Smith and Joshua A. Smith, Effortless Forgiveness, (2018) p. 129

Bracketed content added – JBW