I realized that I have the Iona Abbey Worship Book with the service as well as the preparation statements….. and want to share them as a bit of background for your participation in this event – at 4 pm today (or anytime).
“This service of prayers for healing, which takes place every Tuesday evening, reflects our belief that God’s purpose for us all is a life of wholeness, as expressed in the life and teaching of Jesus. The ministry of healing is an integral part of our Christian witness.
We each stand in need of healing, but in this ministry we recognize also the social dimension. The healing of divided communities and nations, and the healing of the earth itself, have their place alongside the healing of broken bodies, hurt minds and wounded hearts, and of the hurts and divisions within ourselves. So too our prayers are complementary to the work of medicine and other forms of healing, which are also channels of God’s loving and transforming purpose.
In our service we shall name particular people, places and situations for which prayers have been specifically asked. We do this because each person and situation is known to God, not as a problem to be solved, but as a focus for God’s acceptance and love. We are not seeking to change God but to change the world; and we trust God that our prayers will be answered, although we do not know when or how healing will happen.
There will also be an opportunity for those who wish to come forward to receive or share in the ministry of the laying-on of hands. This can be either for themselves or for another person or situation. In and through this we affirm that the ministry of healing is not restricted to particular individuals but is a corporate, inclusive process – the work of the whole Christian community in which we all have a part to play. God’s healing purpose, the promise of God’s fulfilling and sustaining love, is for every one of us. Whether we choose to come forward or to remain seated in prayer and concern, God can use our presence in this service.”
A Service of Prayer for Healing
Welcome
Opening Responses
Leader: We gather here in your presence, God,
ALL: IN OUR NEED
AND BRINGING WITH US THE NEEDS OF THE WORLD.
Leader: We come to you, for you come to us in Jesus,
ALL: AND YOU KNOW BY EXPERIENCE
WHAT HUMAN LIFE IS LIKE.
Leader: We come with our faith and with our doubts;
ALL: WE COME WITH OUR HOPES AND WITH OUR FEARS.
Leader: We come as we are, because you invite us to come;
ALL: AND YOU HAVE PROMISED NEVER TO TURN US AWAY.
Song
Scripture Reading
Prayers of Intercession
The Invitation
Song
Prayer for the Laying-on of hands (said for each person by everyone)
ALL: SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, PRESENT WITH US NOW,
ENTER YOU, BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT,
AND HEAL YOU OF ALL THAT HARMS YOU,
IN JESUS’ NAME. AMEN.
Closing prayer and blessing
Ann's Hummingbird
Thank you Anne,
Praying together with the Iona community for your healing.
love and hugs,
Regina
Thank you for this gift — just in time! I will use Luke 18:35-43 as my scripture reading and Julian’s chant as my song. Blessings.
Thanks, Ann – came just in time !
Thank you Ann.
I thank God for you and for all the blessings you have brought to so many. May the healing of all that is broken begin.
Debbie
Joined with the group in Iona with the special prayer. I thank God everyday for you and our years of friendship. May you be surrounded with the love of all….and hugs galore.
Kathy
Thank you, Ann. At one point my heart was so full that I thought it might burst.
Thank you for sharing this, Ann. I pray for healing for you–from everything that harms you. Holding you in the light and warmth of love. Mary Ann
I also thank you for sharing this, Ann. I joined in the prayer, too, and it felt very right. Thank you for all that you do and have done over the years for so many.
Anne
Dear Ann,
I kept the healing vigil at 4:00PM today, but I did not have time to follow what I sensed Spirit telling me to do. That is to send you this blessing directly from me.
MAY THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, PRESENT WITH US NOW,
ENTER YOUR BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT,
AND HEAL YOU OF ALL THAT HARMS YOU,
IN JESUS’ NAME. AMEN.
May it be so!
Namaste,
Therese
Dearest Ann,
Iona Abbey was filled with people and love during the Healing Service. Your name was read aloud, inviting the prayers of all for your healing. I stood in your stead during the laying on of hands. Allison was right behind me with her hands on my shoulders. And as you would have done, I stayed at the circle, joining in the laying on of hands for the healing of others. Today we are in silence and tomorrow to Columba’s Bay. We are soaked in prayer.
We are so blessed to be in a circle of prayer around the world.
In God’s love,
Leah
Ann,
Sending you continued love and prayers and energy for daily healing.
I am on summer sabbatical and will be in DC area in mid-July and will be in touch.
Thinking of you often,
Carol