Each second and fourth Sunday evening at 5:30 in the Chapel, there is a unique worship experience that includes: songs of praise, a brief devotion, the sacrament of Holy Communion, and prayers for Healing and Wholeness.
Jesus commanded His disciples to “teach, preach, and heal” in His name. (Luke 9:1-12) We believe that Jesus’ command was meant not only for the early church but also for the church today. It is our desire to provide intentional prayer for healing as a regular part of our church life. We do this for two reasons. The first reason is for the benefit of those in need of healing. And secondly, we do it out of a desire to be obedient to Jesus Christ .
What is meant by Prayers for Healing?
The well known Christian author, Albert E. Day, reminds us that health is “the combination of harmonious relationships, spiritual vitality, psychological maturity, and physical wellness.” So, “poor health” can be experienced not only physically, but in regard to our emotional state, our relationships, and even our spiritual condition. As Christians we know that regardless of the area of our lives in which we find brokenness, it is God’s desire to touch and heal our brokenness.
So, when we use the phrase “prayers for healing,” we are referring to healing of the physical body, of the emotions, of relationships, and of the spirit. We believe that if something is hurting you, Jesus cares about that problem and desires to help you. Your church cares too, and we want to pray with you about your need.
What is the significance of Being Anointed with Oil and the “Laying on of Hands?”
In Biblical times, shepherds often used lanolin (oil) from the wool of the sheep to promote the healing process in both humans and animals. The oil promoted the healing process by keeping the flesh of the wound soft and supple (Isaiah 1:6).
Oil is a Biblical symbol of God’s protection, thus the disciples healed by anointing (Mark 6:13) and church leaders were instructed to pray over the sick, anointing them with oil (James 5:14).
In both the Old and New Testaments, the rite of laying on of hands held a variety of meanings, such as the importation of blessing when Jacob blessed the children of Joseph (Genesis 48:14), or Jesus blessed the children (Matthew 19:15), or the conveyance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-19).
In the Service of Prayer, Healing and Holy Communion, it is the decision of the individual as to whether or not they want to have hands laid upon them and be anointed with oil.
Who will pray with me?
The people who will pray with you are Christians from Lindenwood Christian Church, clergy and laity, who are obedient to God’s call to pray for others and who believe that the spirit of Christ is alive and able to touch people today just as Christ did 2,000 years ago. Those who pray with you have no special power, only a dedicated commitment and belief that God is a God of health and wholeness. Any healing that occurs comes not through any special power of those who pray, but by way of the spirit and grace of God.
What should I expect if I go forward for healing prayer?
After Communion is served, a special invitation will be given. At that time, you may go forward to ask for prayer for a specific need or just a general prayer for your concern. You may request prayer for a family member or a friend not present.
Those praying with you will pray quietly. Soft music is played throughout our prayer time to aid in our sense of worship and to provide for additional privacy during prayers for healing. Quiet voices are always used. Your prayer concern will be kept confidential, unless you want it to be shared.
After I’ve come forward for prayers for healing and the service has ended, what should I do next?
After prayer, simply relax and give God time to work. Sometimes we see prayers for healing answered quickly. Sometimes healing comes gradually and not in the way we expect. We believe God is faithful. God answers our prayers in a variety of ways. But God’s timing is often not the same as ours. Remain faithful and patient in your requests before God.