Healing and Wholeness

Ever wondered what the Service of Healing and Wholeness actually is? Last Sunday was the third service, and here, Chris, one of the Priory’s Readers, shares it with us all.

What is the Service of Healing & Wholeness? 
It’s a minimalistic uncluttered service which focuses on inviting the healing love of God available through Jesus Christ by the working of the Holy Spirit. 
It is a ministry we all need as it addresses our spiritual needs as well as physical and mental challenges. Parish communion is already a healing service, however this Service has a format which brings particular focus and intention to bear on prayer for healing and wholeness. 

So what actually happens at the service? 
It is a simple service.  There is no choral input, just a lone piano for the two gentle hymns and to provide background music.  The seating arrangement is relaxed and ministers are also part of the congregation seeking ministry.  Confession, Word and reflection precedes the main business which is to bring our needs and the needs of others to Jesus. 

We bring the needs of others:  The corporate prayer session invites all present to call out names of those known to them who have particular needs.  The first time we held this service this took a bit of getting used to, but now the needs of loved ones have overcome inhibitions and this has become a special (and vocal!) part of this inspiring service. 

We bring our own needs:  A simplified liturgy leads us to share communion after which two or three prayer teams take their places at the front and back of the aisles.  Peaceful background music sets the atmosphere as those seeking specific help approach the prayer stations.  Others use the prayerful atmosphere to continue their own prayer and meditations. 

Prayer cards are provided so those seeking prayer can provide helpful information to assist the prayer teams.  At the prayer stations the response is appropriate to the specific needs.  The Holy Spirit is invited to come in the name of Jesus to bring healing power and guidance to particular situations.  The laying on of hands is also offered.  Unlike the calling out of names in corporate prayer, people have quickly taken to the opportunity for specific prayer and so far three prayer stations have been required to meet demand.  This time of prayer and meditation continues until the end of the service which completes with a simple hymn and blessing. 

Three services later…
There’s been strong positive feedback on the format of the service.  People like its simplicity, sense of togetherness, atmosphere of prayer, and the opportunity to bring their own needs and those of others to Jesus in focused prayer. 

·       It is a service to which some have felt able to bring along friends and neighbours.  Again, the liturgical minimalism together with the opportunity to meet Jesus at Communion and in assisted prayer is attractive.

·       The actions of the Holy Spirit are measured by the peace which those present receive and a renewed peace and well-being or ‘Shalom’ is often experienced by attendees.  At the recent service we were all blessed when someone shared their inspiring testimony of physical healing from cancer.  All glory to God! 

And next year? 
The dedicated Service of Healing & Wholeness at the Priory has been a positive experience this year and we expect to bring it back in 2024.  If you have any comments or feedback please send to the Vicar or Parish Office.