Healing Prayer Services are held each month, sometimes as part of Sunday morning worship, and also at other specially designated times. Anointing with oil and the laying on of hands are part of the healing liturgy.

At these healing services, participants come forward to kneel at the altar. A pastor listens to the concern for which healing is needed. Members of the Healing Prayer Ministry team surround the pastor and participant during a prayer offered. Participants may bring other family members or support persons.

Monthly Healing Services continue into fall
Know someone needing special healing? Are you that person? Come to the next Healing Service at St. Matthew’s. At these healing services, participants come forward to kneel at the altar. A pastor listens to the concern for which healing is needed. Members of the Healing Prayer Ministry team surround the pastor and participant during a prayer offered. Participants may bring other family members or support persons.

Come and experience the healing power of God through prayer.

• Sunday, Aug. 15, 10:15 service
• Sunday, Sept. 19, 11:00 service
• Sunday, Oct. 17, 9:45 (during Educ. Hour)
• Sunday, Nov. 21, 9:45 (during Educ. Hour)
• Sunday, Dec. 19, 9:45 (during Educ. Hour)

All those in special need of healing for themselves or others are encouraged to participate in these services. Contact the church office for more information.

Healing Prayer Ministry beliefs

The Healing Prayer Ministry group is called to serve God and others through prayer, and the laying on of hands to all who seek healing in body, mind and spirit. All are welcomed to come forward for healing -alone or with a loved one; for yourself or for others.
This ministry is grounded in the belief that:

• All healing comes from God
• We are all eternally healed through the waters of our baptism, made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus.
• Medical knowledge is a gift of God, and He works through our doctors, nurses, and medicines to bring us healing.
• Anointing and laying on of hands is a traditional practice, found both in Scripture and in throughout the history of the church.
• This is a ministry of the whole person; spirit, mind, body, feelings and relationships.
• This is a ministry of the whole faith community, even though certain individuals are called to carry it out.

Healing Prayer Ministry team

The Healing Prayer Ministry team meets the second Sunday of the month during the education hour. All who feel called to serve as a conduit of God's healing love are welcome. We have group discussions on assigned readings to deepen our faith and understanding. We also seek to increase awareness of this ministry by:

• Educating new members about Healing Prayer Services and inviting them to join this ministry
• Offering Healing Prayer Services monthly, or upon special request
• Wearing small stoles during these services so that we are identifiable to anyone who wishes further conversation afterwards
• Organizing "Healing Prayer Gatherings" annually at Luther Manor which bring together people from throughout the area to learn from one another, and to support congregations seeking to begin healing ministries in their own churches.