Note : Rubrics [that is, instructions and explanations] are in red.
M = Minister; C = Congregation; A = assistant.
As this is a solemn occasion, distinct from other worship services, it is suggested that there be no music or announcements at all before or during the service. As the service commences, the room which serves as the sanctuary is to be in silent prayer or meditation. Praise songs, preferably sung acappella, can be sung *at the end of the service *.
All arise upon entry of the presiding minister.
M : Grace and peace be with you, from God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
C : And also with you.
A : Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose mercy lasts forever!
C : They cried to the LORD in their trouble, and God rescued them from their distress.
M : God's Word was sent forth, healing them, and saving them from the grave.
C : The LORD is in all ways righteous, and in all works loving.
A : The LORD upholds all who fall, and lifts up those who are bowed down.
C : The LORD sustains them on their sick-bed, and serves them in their illness.
M : The LORD is my strength and my song, and has become my salvation.
All : Give thanks to the LORD, who is good, whose mercy lasts forever!
All sit.
The Old Testament lesson is read, either the lectionary lesson for that day, or one of the following can be read : 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 5:9-14; 2 Kings 20:1-5; Isaiah 11:1-3a; Isaiah 43:1-7; Isaiah 53:3-5; Isaiah 61:1-3.
Then, a Psalm is spoken or chanted responsively. This can be a psalm indicated by the lectionary for that day, or one of the following suggestions : Ps 13; 20:1-6; 23; 27:1-9, 18; 91; 103; 121; 130; 138; 139:1-17; 145:14-22; 146.
Then, the New Testament lesson is read, either the lectionary lesson for that day, or one of the following suggestions : Acts 3:1-10; Acts 5:12-16; Acts 10:36-43; Acts 16:16-18; Romans 8:18-23; Romans 8:31-39; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Colossians 1:11-20; James 5:14-16; 1 John 5:13-15.
All arise for the Gospel reading.
Then, the Presiding Minister reads the Gospel assigned
for the day. This ends with :
M : Here ends the reading of the Gospel.
C : Praise you, Lord Christ!
Congregation sits.
At this point a short sermon can be offered, based on a passage from a Gospel relevant to the task at hand. These may include : Matthew 9:2-8; Matthew 26:26-39; Mark 1:21-28; Mark 1:29-34a; Mark 5:1-20; Mark 5:22-24, 35-43; Mark 6:7, 12-13; Luke 17:11-19; John 5:1b-9; John 6:47-51; John 9:1-11. At the end of the sermon, the Presiding Minister shall approach the altar and begin the Liturgy of Healing.
The Litany of Healing.
M : For those in need of recovery from illness : grant them Your power, which turns sickness into health and sorrow into joy.
C : Heal us, and make us whole, O Lord.
A : For those in suffering : grant mercy and relief, forbearance, refreshment, and renewed life. Help them find in Jesus their strength and calm, so that their trust in Your promises may be made new.
C : Heal us, and make us whole, O Lord.
A : For those who serve to heal others : bless and guide physicians, nurses, technicians, and all others who work for healing. Grant them wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience.
C : Heal us, and make us whole, O Lord.
A : For family and friends : grant them resilience and gentleness, patience and faithfulness. Let their hope be in You, and by their ministry of love let your love be known.
C : Heal us, and make us whole, O Lord.
A : For those facing treatment decisions : light their ways, that they may decide with love, mercy, and reverence for your gift of life.
C : Heal us, and make us whole, O Lord.
A : For the dying : grant them peace and a holy death. For their loved ones : grant them Your Spirit's grace and comfort.
C : Heal us, and make us whole, O Lord.
A : For those who are broken within : mend their broken relationships, and create new beginnings. Give your presence to the lonely, your comfort to the worried, your direction to the confused, your serenity to the angry, your solidarity to the rejected, and your love to the unloved.
C : Heal us, and make us whole, O Lord.
M : Let us offer our prayers by name before the Lord.
At this point, those at worship can offer their prayers aloud. This can be either by just giving names, or by giving with the name a brief description of what is being prayed for, or by speaking on behalf of an unnamed 'someone' coupled with such a brief description. When silence comes upon the sanctuary, or at such a point as the Presiding Minister chooses, the Presiding Minister shall close the litany with this prayer :
M : Lord, please respond to what we ask of You, not as befits our faltering words, nor our shallow knowledge, nor our deep sinfulness, but as befits how you love and know us. In Jesus' name,
All : Amen.
At this point, it may be appropriate to take up a special offering for health-related ministries. Otherwise, an Offertory is inappropriate for the occasion.
The confession of sin.
M : Let us confess before God and those present out sins against God and against others.
All, including the Minister, turn to face the altar.
All :
Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are sorry, and now turn away from our sin before you.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us,
that we may joyfully obey your will
and walk in Your ways
to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Minister turns to face the congregation.
M : God forgives you!! May the Holy Spirit strengthen and lead you as you live your life.
C : Amen. Hallelujah!
It is recommended at this point that Holy Communion, the bread and wine, be shared, in the manner suited to your church's denominational background. Jesus was physically broken, even to death, but returned to be among the living. To those who are ill, this is more than just a sign of healing, it is a promise, it is hope put into effect, it is something for them to share in. In Communion, Jesus is there, broken, spilled out. Brokenness was not the last word for Jesus, nor is it for those who follow Jesus. Thus, Communion is especially appropriate for a healing service.
If people are to be communed at the altar, the Minister is to ask that those seeking laying on of hands or anointing with oil are to either stay at the altar for it, or (if many are staying) off to the side next to the altar.
If people are to be communed at their seats (as with many churches in the Reformed tradition), the Minister will call people to come forward once the bread and wine are eaten, for laying on of hands and/or anointing with oil.
Laying On of Hands/Anointing With Oil
Those who come forward for hands or oil go to the altar and kneel, or standing or sitting in a wheelchair or portable chair, if necessary. The minister may even go out to the person desiring hands and/or oil, but only if that person is unable to come forward. The Minister may be joined at the altar by those who have been recognized as having a ministry or gift for spiritual healing.
The Minister and assistants each lay both hands on each person's head, and say :
M : I lay hands on you in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, asking God that your body and spirit be made whole, that you be granted the victory of wellness and peace that will empower you to serve God.
Person : Amen.
The assistants may pray softly with each person who came forward for a short while. Meanwhile, the congregants who did not come forward are to be silently praying for those who did come forward.
For people whose illness is particularly serious, it is right to use this time to anoint with oil. The oil is prepared beforehand; it is traditionally olive oil with a small added amount of an aromatic oil such as cinnamon or bergamot. It is kept in a narrow metal cylinder with a tight or sealing lid. The Minister lays both hands on the person's head, is quiet for a moment, then dips a thumb into the oil, takes it out, and uses it to make the sign of the cross on the person's forehead, saying:
M : You are anointed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Giver of health and eternal life, send your Spirit, that [[person's name]] may in repentance and faith be made whole in body and spirit.
Person : Amen.
At the completion of the hands/oil, the people who came forward return to their seats.
Then, the Minister comes forward to give a closing blessing. The Aaronic Benediction is appropriate. Or, something like this :
M : Go forth into this broken and hurting world with the blessing of the Father, the healing authority of the Son Jesus Christ, and the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Go forth and bring healing with you wherever you go!
C : Amen.
Praise songs may be sung at this point.
Or, people can go forward for more prayers with the Minister, deacons, and
healing ministry personnel.
Or, they can just leave.
Prayer chain members and prayer ministry personnel take note of special
needs that surfaced during the service, and lead the congregation in praying
over that concern thereafter. If more tangible help is needed, this could
also be arranged.
written by : Robert Longman, 1997. Feel free to use this service as needed, so long as it is attributed.
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