What are Healing Prayers?
July 10, 2008
Q: The bulletin says healing prayers are available between Sunday services or any time requested. What are healing prayers and how do I request them?
A: Scripture tells us:
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. (James 5:14-15)
Our clergy and prayer intercessors are always ready to call on the power of the Holy Spirit in prayer to bring healing of body, mind, and spirit. We know that God always heals. Read the stories of God Working in Our Lives for personal testimonies of parishioners who have experienced the healing power of the Lord. We acknowledge, however, that God’s healing may come in our earthly life or in our heavenly life. If He does not heal us immediately, He will give us the strength to handle our illness. We are to “call the elders;” the elders (priests) are to “pray and anoint with oil.” Healing comes from God.
The clergy may also administer Holy Unction, the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. In An Outline of an Anglican Life, Louis Tarsitano describes Holy Unction this way:
This sacrament consists of the anointing with oil and (or) laying on of hands by a bishop or priest, as the outward and visible sign of the healing power of God, both physical and spiritual, given as God determines is most expedient for the person receiving it.
If you need healing prayer, ask one of the clergy between Sunday services or after Koinonia or Wednesday evening services. You may also call the office to request healing prayer.
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