Those words were part of the James reading I used recently to talk about our need to care for one another through our prayers and presence. In the midst of that message I suggested that I would soon begin offering a monthly service of healing and anointing. Our first one will be Sunday, October 28th at 6:00 p.m. We will gather… in our sanctuary for a time of prayerful sharing along with an invitation for anointing.
I first experienced a service of this type while visiting another United Methodist church in Kansas City. I found it to be deeply moving and upon coming home began offering it at my previous church and I am thrilled to now offer it here.
It is however important to understand what I mean by the word “healing” and especially in the context of this type of service. Healing is not magic, but underlying it is the great mystery of God’s love. God does not promise us that we shall be spared from suffering but God does promise to be with us in the midst of our suffering. Trusting that promise, we are enabled to recognize God’s sustaining presence in pain, sickness, injury and estrangement.
All healing is of God. The church’s healing ministry in no way detracts from the gifts God gives us through medicine and psychotherapy. It is no substitute for either medicine or the proper care of one’s health. Rather it adds to our total resources for wholeness.
So a service of healing is not necessarily a service of curing, but it provides an atmosphere in which healing can take place. The greatest healing of all is the reunion or reconciliation of a human being with God. For the Christian the basic purpose of spiritual healing is to renew and strengthen one’s relationship with the living Christ. When this happens, physical healing can sometimes occur, mental and emotional balance is often restored, spiritual health is enhanced and relationships can be healed.
So come, “come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
Shalom,
Pastor Andy