Loading...Dear Friends in Christ,
Most of you know that I am big lover of the Episcopal Church. It is not perfect, but I love what it stands for, its creeds, its programs, and what it teaches us. What I love most about it is its liturgies. Theses liturgies are contained in The Book of Common Prayer and are some of the most beautiful words and rituals found anywhere. Eighty percent of it comes straight from the Bible. That is what attracted me to it. The Holy Eucharist, Morning and Evening Prayers, wedding services, funeral services are so fulfilling and meaningful. I often say, “This is my favorite service,” meaning whatever service I just completed. One of my most favorite services is the healing service.
I used to do a weekly Healing Service at each of the parishes in the Cluster, but the interest was not there. I now do a weekly healing service at St. Mary’s and a monthly one at Stras Memorial. I think people don’t understand the Episcopal Healing service. They may think it is like some that we see on television where the minister is the main part of the service. Not so in our service. I do lay my hands on those wishing healing, and I anoint them with Holy Oil, but I am merely a conduit. God heals, not me.
There is more to it than that. The healing process requires a number of things. For example, a doctor may treat you of a certain ailment, but it is up to you to follow his instructions. You may have to follow his or her instructions of taking medication, following a diet, getting exercise, going through rehab. It is similar in a healing service. Jesus said to almost everyone he healed, “Your faith has healed you.” You must believe that Jesus can heal you. That is probably the most important part.
At our healing services, we follow a liturgy where we thank God for loving us, we pray for ourselves and for others, and we confess that we are sinners. Then we celebrate Holy Communion. After receiving the body and blood of Christ, and while still kneeling at the altar, I lay my hands on the head of each person saying, “I lay my hands upon you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit beseeching our Lord Jesus Christ to heal you in body and spirit and to heal all those you pray for. Amen.” Then I anoint them with Holy Oil saying, “I anoint you with Holy Oil in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
I plan to do a healing service at each parish during a Sunday morning service because some of you may not be able to attend the regularly scheduled ones. I hope it touches you as much as it does me. God bless.
In Christ’s Love,
Father Russ
