Healing
Does God heal today?
When Jesus sent out the twelve apostles He told them to ‘proclaim the message: “the kingdom of Heaven is upon you”. Heal the sick…..’ (Matt 10 vv7-8). When He sent out the seventy two Jesus said ‘When you come into a town … heal the sick there, and say “the kingdom of God has come close to you” (Luke 10 vv 8-9). Before Jesus ascended to heaven He said to His disciples ‘Go forth therefore, and make all nations my disciples …. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.’ James, in his epistle, says ‘Is one of you ill? He should send for the elders of the congregation to pray over him in the name of the Lord’
The implication of this is, surely, that answered prayers for healing, did not come to an end with Jesus’ earthly ministry.
In Ecclesiasticus 38 vv1-2 it says ‘Honour the doctor for his services, for the Lord created him. His skill comes from the Most High’
Modern medicine can often work wonders, but any thinking doctor would admit that there is more to getting better than medication and surgery – and this is where, as Christians, we believe that prayer for healing comes in.
At the Priory we have, for a long time, prayed for the sick (usually those in hospital or long term care) by name, during the intercessions. We also pray during the weekly prayer group that meets on a Thursday afternoon. Recently, after a group of us attended the Bishop of Carlisle’s week end course on the healing ministry, we have introduced prayer for healing with laying on of hands for those who request it. This happens once a month, at the 10.30 service, in the Lady Chapel during the administration of Communion at the high altar. We hope this is discreet and non-threatening. The person coming for healing prayer is asked what their name is, if there is something in particular they want prayer for, (this is of course, confidential) and if they mind being touched. Sometimes they ask for prayer for another person. We ask the Holy Spirit to be present in His power to heal, & then pray for the person as the Spirit directs us. Sometimes he or she may feel better very quickly. Sometimes prayer will be needed again and again.
In any discussion of healing someone will say ‘but what about when there is no healing?’. Only God knows the answer to that. But that is no reason not to pray. It is very rare for the recipient of prayer not to feel any benefit. Symptoms may not change but ability to cope with them will do.
But many people will talk in private, if not in public, about how they have been helped by the prayers of others. God does still heal today. Sometimes people feel that they should not bother God with minor problems. Jesus never said that. If it matters to you it matters to God. Prayer for healing is not a substitute for medical treatment but in times of trouble or illness it should be the first resort rather than the last resort.
by Charm Robson
