Jesus was known for many things in the first century. He was a social prophet and a rabbi. He was known as a teacher of wisdom and the leader of a new movement. And he was known far and wide as a healer. Story after story in the gospels describe these healings. Surely a part of his electric presence was the expectation of both supplicants and onlookers that he would perform a healing. Jesus also sent his disciples out to heal others, and he promised that they would do greater things than he had done. The ministry of healing has been a part of the Christian experience from the very beginning.
On Wednesdays as a part of our Eucharist and at our monthly Celtic services, 7:00 p.m., second Sundays from September to May, we offer the ministry of healing prayer for any who desire it. A lay person and a clergy person are available to the right of the altar during the administration of Holy Communion. If you would like to receive healing prayer and the laying on of hands, either for yourself or for someone you love, we invite you to move to go there after you have received Communion. If the healing ministers are praying for someone already, we invite you to take a seat nearby and come forward when there is a space available.
It is often helpful if you tell the healing minister the concern for which you are asking prayer. If you prefer not to do this, that is fine—everyone’s situation is different. Although there is usually a brief spoken prayer at the beginning and at the end, the healing minister will lay hands on you and join with you in silently opening ourselves and presenting the concern to God. This is not a ministry of magical incantations. Instead, this healing ministry is simply about fellow pilgrims opening ourselves more completely to the healing love of God. Although God is always with every one of us, there are times in all of our lives when companionship is instrumental in becoming more fully present to God. Much as a group of friends once brought a paralytic to Jesus so that Jesus might heal him, so we sometimes benefit from the loving care of others who accompany us into the presence of God.
Whether or not you choose to present yourself for healing prayer, we welcome your personal prayers, that this gathering may be filled with compassion, and that everyone who worships here may know the healing love of God in their lives.
