A Sojourner's Quest

2 7 8 / A S O J O U R N E R ’ S Q U E S T

A Service for Healing Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer

Minister Hear the Word of God from the Gospel of Mark.

[Mark 6.7, 12-13] Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. . . . They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

In the same way, the Epistle of James instructs us:

[James 5.14-16] Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

[The person needing healing is to come forward and sit or kneel while the people gather around and lay hands on them.]

Minister [Name of person], we lay hands on you now in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, asking our Lord Jesus Christ to sustain you with his presence, to drive away all sickness of body and spirit, and to give you the victory of life and peace that will enable you to serve him both now and forever.

[The Minister dips a thumb into the oil and makes the sign of the Cross on the sick person’s forehead saying:]

[Name of person], I anoint you with oil in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

As you are outwardly anointed with oil, so may our heavenly Father grant you the inward anointing of the Holy Spirit. May he forgive your