We had our monthly healing service on Monday night, and I continue to marvel at the delicate balance between prayer and touch.
The bible contains many references to the “laying on of hands” — and the practice is typically associated with ordination to ministry, consecration to specific tasks, and prayers for healing.
At each healing service here, people willingly allow themselves to be touched and prayed over by people whom they barely know. I find that remarkable.
On several occasions, I have received this kind of prayer. And that kind of intimacy — nothing inappropriate, just close — is unnerving.
But when you get past the anxiety of being touched by people not in your immediate family, it moves from unnerving to inspiring.
Because the people praying represent the hand of God himself bringing support and consolation into your body and your life.
Prayer and touch. Pretty much inseparable.
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This might be wildly inappropriate to share on my former minister’s blog, but I think you have the sense of humor to handle it. (I have no doubt that God does.) Last year I brought a friend to one of the healing services who was at the time undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Having been raised Catholic up north (nominally-went to Catholic school but her parents were never really involved in Sunday mass) she had never been in a Methodist church. So she was a little unsure of what to expect. When at the beginning of the Healing service it was explained that the “pray-ers” would lay hands on those asking for healing, I poked her in the ribs and said “Are you going to let them touch your… well, you know.” It made her laugh and relax a little, which is what I was going for. At the end, she said it was great, very comforting. (She’s doing well now, completed treatment and has been pronounced NED “no evidence of disease”.)
How’s St. Louis?
It’s good! Still looking for a church like GSUMC. Haven’t found one yet that has the right mix of casual, friendly, welcoming, caring, great music, great messages, and service. Plus an awesome rockin’ preacher. 🙂