According to Anglican folk custom, we linger in the pews until we extinguish the lights (candles) on the altar—a devotion showing our reluctance to leave the Lord’s courts. However, after our Sunday Morning Prayer services, our local custom is to leave the altar lights burning, so many congregants will be leaving without waiting. During this time, those desiring healing of body, soul or spirit should come to the front of the nave (pews) to ask our Lord’s grace via an ancient healing service conducted directly following our main worship time. Although many in today’s culture associate divine healing with more Pentecostal Christian expression, it’s very scriptural and also deeply-rooted in sound Christian doctrine and liturgy. St. James tells us, however, if there are sick among us, they should call for the presbyters of the Church to anoint them and pray for them to be saved and raised up, not waiting for a special service or for someone to notice.

However, healing can be conveyed other ways. Any Christian can lay hands on the sick, recalling to our Lord one of the last promises He made to us during His earthly ministry, citing that “they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.” As we prepare for Lent, O Lord of Healing—show us where we need healing and empower us to overcome our pride to ask Your help, in mind, body or spirit—glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost!

Fr. Chip Harper, Rector, All Saints Anglican Church