Healing: A Balm in Gilead

Whether you look in the mirror, see someone you love, or look online at the news, you know that lots of folks need healing and connection. There is no doubt that reading newspapers or listening to/watching news or reading news online is discouraging."Is there no balm in Gilead?" Contrary to the reassurance of the old gospel hymn, we may wonder if the answer is "No. None."I have decided that at least three times this summer, I am going to offer the chance for you to have healing prayers--either for yourself, or for someone you love--on Sunday morning during the liturgy. Alternatively, if you don't need healing, or need prayers for that, then perhaps you would just like a prayer of blessing.In case you didn't realize this, we have a rite for this in our Book of Common Prayer. "Ministration to the Sick" begins on p. 453. On p. 458, you will find "Prayers for the Sick" and on p. 461, there are several prayers "for use by a Sick Person."  The prayer that I learned many years ago is one I almost always use (with a small variation at the end) when I make the sign of the cross on someone's head, then lay my hands on top of their head:"I lay my hands upon you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, beseeching our Lord Jesus Christ to sustain you with his presence, to drive away all sickness of body and spirit, and to give you that victory of life and peace which will enable you to serve him both now and evermore. Amen."So this Sunday, bring someone with you who needs prayers--whether those are healing prayers or prayers of blessing and peace. Drink from God's well. Drink deeply. Be refreshed. Be seen. Be heard. Be healed. God loves you.And if it would help you to listen to the hymn "There is a Balm in Gilead" sung by the late, great Mahalia Jackson, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFMY4V7RdbUPhoto of water taken by Samara Doule. Accessed at www.unsplash.comUnsplash