Third Wednesdays at noon, come experience a healing service in the chapel. We share Communion, and pray for healing for each individual who desires it, and the priest anoints people with healing oil blessed by our bishop. This ancient ritual of anointing, and laying hands on those who are sick, is described in the Acts of the Apostles (28:8). Jesus laid hands on many who were sick to heal them. The Letter of James (5:14-16) says, “Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up…” The healing is for souls as well as bodies, for James goes on, “and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.”

The prayers of the gathered assembly can be palpably powerful as the Holy Spirit moves through them to someone in need. The prayers of the community align themselves with whatever is God’s will for a person to move toward wholeness. Sometimes that may be feeling better or experiencing a cure of disease quickly or gradually, sometimes it may simply be the awareness of supporting love of God and your community helping you through what must be borne. For that reason, it is appropriate also to request healing prayer with anointing for a particular need in a Sunday Eucharist at 8 or 10. As those who have experienced the laying on of hands by sisters and brothers can testify, it brings the sense of God’s presence
near just when you need it most. Just speak with the rector a little while before the service to arrange this. Or for those who feel shy about their need and would prefer to be anointed in a home or hospital visit, the rector is happy to do this.