Because I have both experienced healing from God as well as experiencing lifetime conditions such as epilepsy healing services are very special to me. And this past Sunday, October 12, 2008, Arlington UMC had a healing service.
The front of the worship folder had an artistic imagery of Jesus with his hands stretched out from side to side, human hands were reaching forward and a person in praise with their hands lifted up. So was the visual of our worship time.
From our worship traditions we opened with a responsive call to worship, sang a prayerful hymn, and prayed for God's power to come "upon those in need". Then I talked to our children about the healing taking place of my broken fibula as a work of God. Afterward the Scripture lessons of Isaiah 40:28-31; James 5:13-20; and Mark 6:7-13 were read and the message focused upon the reading from James and its speaking of prayer and anointing.
As part of our healing process we confessed our sins to God for our healing involves body, mind, soul, relationships and all that we are; sang "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"; prayed; dedicated our library in memory of a deceased church member; gave our offerings to God; and then prayed a prayer of thanksgiving over the oil.
The time of anointing came. Prayers and anointing ... prayers and anointing ... prayers and anointing.
Afterward we together prayed ...
Almighty God, we pray that our brothers and sisters may be comforted in their sufferings and made whole. When they are afraid, give them courage; when they feel weak, grant them strength; when they are afflicted, afford them patience; when they are lost, offer them hope; when they are alone, move us to their side. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Today, I have offered this prayer for you ... pray for me as well. Thanks be to God.
No comments:
Post a Comment