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Pastoral Greeting:
In this challenging time we offer a prayer service for healing and comfort. Often during a healing service, when we are gathered together, we are able to offer and experience the sacrament of holy anointing with oil. However as we are unable to do so at this time you are encouraged to light a candle at the beginning of this service. The light of the candle will serve as a symbol of Christ's light in the world and God's unending presence guiding us and supporting us through our darkest days.
At the end of the service we ask that you blow out the candle and savour this moment, watching the smoke rise to the sky. Let the smoke be a symbol of the Holy Spirit moving in and around us, surrounding us with God's grace and love
[Light the candle now.]
WE GATHER FOR PRAYER
Prelude: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ (BWV 639) - J.S. Bach
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all. Amen.
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known and from you no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Collect
Heavenly Father,
you anointed your Son Jesus Christ
with the Holy Spirit and with power
to bring to us the blessings of your kingdom
Anoint your Church with the same Holy Spirit,
that we who share in his suffering and victory
may bear witness to the gospel of salvation;
through Jesus Christ, your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
A reading from the Book of James (5:7-15)
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. Above all, my beloved, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. 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; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.
Psalm (41:1-4, 10-13)
Happy are they who consider the poor and needy! the Lord will deliver them in the time of trouble. The Lord preserves them and keeps them alive, so that they may be happy in the land; he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and ministers to them in their illness. I said, “Lord, be merciful to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
But you, O Lord, be merciful to me and raise me up, and I shall repay them. By this I know you are pleased with me, that my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you hold me fast, and shall set me before your face for ever. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, from age to age. Amen. Amen.
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (8:1-8)
When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant. When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.” And he said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.
Hymn - O Christ, the Healer
O Christ, the healer, we have come
to pray for health, to plead for friends.
How can we fail to be restored,
when reached by love that never ends?
From every ailment flesh endures
our bodies clamour to be freed;
yet in our hearts we would confess
that wholeness is our deepest need.
In conflicts that destroy our health,
we diagnose the world's disease;
our common life declares our ills:
is there no cure, O Christ, for these?
Grant that we all, made one in faith,
in your community may find
the wholeness that, enriches us,
shall reach the whole of humankind.
BIDDING PRAYERS
On this day we are all experiencing varied needs for healing. We need healing of body, mind and spirit for ourselves and others. Let us offer to our Lord God our common prayers for forgiveness, comfort and healing:
[Any of the following bidding prayers may be offered, ending with the Lord's Prayer.]
Lord God, we pray at this time for any particular concerns on our hearts this day ...
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Lord God, mend broken relationships, comfort those who live with mental distress and are in any trouble. Strengthen those who suffer and hear their prayers. Grant to everyone in distress mercy, relief and refreshment; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Lord God, give mercy to those struggling at this time to cope with the COVID 19 pandemic. Grant to all who are providing care for thos living in hospitals, retirement residences, long term care facilities and at home, understanding and patience to support those who feel fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Lord God, pour out your healing grace on all who are sick, injured or disabled that they may be made whole. Grant to them a willingness to accept the support of others who care for them and awareness of Your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Lord God, give to those who are dying peace and a holy death; uphold those who are grieving by the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Lord God, we remember before you the homeless, the destitute, and all who have none to care for them. Help them to know the love of your Son, who for our sake become poor. Grant that we may follow Christ's lead in showing them love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Lord God, in this broken world where many are fighting for their right to be heard, valued and respected, open our minds to the truth that you created in all things being equal. Grace us with voices to advocate and speak Your truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Lord God, make us a nation that embodies equality and strive for peace among all people. Grant to all leaders sound guidance and people fervor to see justice through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Lord God, draw your Church together, into one great company of disciples, following Jesus Christ, serving him in his mission to the world and together witnessing to his love on every continent and island. Give us courage to share the gospel message; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Lord God, you have heard the prayers of your faithful people. You are the Lord who does wonders. Grant us faith to believe; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hear us, O Lord of life.
The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Musical Offering - Pastorale - Percy Whitlock
THE DISMISSAL
May God bless and keep us. May God bless those we love and those we find hard to love, this day and always, in Jesus name we pray. Amen
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
[Blow out the candle and savour this moment as the smoke fades away.]