January, 2005 Calendar In This Issue: Sainthood Defined… Columbarium Sale Extended Religion, Politics and Theology (Part 2) An Invitation from the Healing Prayer Group Via Media Lenten Series Women's Annual Retreat Y2005 Prisoners of Time Our New and Improved Kitchen

by Gretchen Haight

You may have noticed that at the 11:00 service, a few people, after they have taken communion, go over to the rail in the chapel and pray with another parishioner who is stationed there to do just that - to pray with people. The clergy and prayer group members consider it to be part of the liturgy, therefore it occurs in the context of the shared meal (communion), an extension of God's grace available to us.

But there may be parishioners who feel the need for help yet don't come to the rail because they don't know what to expect; they may feel awkward. So my intention here is to try to give a picture of what happens, the thinking behind it, so that more parishioners will be encouraged to avail themselves of this simple, life-giving connection with God, who is the healer, and with other members of the St. A's community, our spiritual companions. We can also come to the rail in thanksgiving for something good in our lives.

My first experience with going to the chapel rail was about six years ago when I was having trouble with my hip: I was limping and it was painful. I kept insisting that I could heal it myself-chiropractic, acupuncture, my own prayer. I was determined to avoid surgery-a hip replacement.

One Sunday I finally got up the nerve to go to the chapel rail, and prayed with someone I wasn't even that fond of, to tell the truth, but it changed everything. Simply by naming the problem and sharing it with one other person, asking for God's help, I began to get clarity on how to proceed. A few months later I did have the surgery, and, as it turned out, that was the miracle.

A few reminders:

1. There is no hierarchy of concerns. We may bring to prayer what we might judge to be small concerns as well as life-and-death issues. We can pray for anything physical, mental, or emotional: exhaustion from work, trouble in a relationship, a problem with one's foot. Or the big ones: a frightening medical diagnosis, a divorce or separation, or the death of someone close to us. Whatever is in our way as we live our lives day-to-day, anything we'd like to have lifted or at least made lighter.
2. God is the healer, not the member of the prayer group. However, all religions have found sharing concerns with another human being, as well as with God, to be beneficial and important to our spiritual lives. Sometimes it may be your faith that makes a difference; sometimes it may be the faith of the person praying; it's always the presence of God there in our midst. It's all a wonderful mystery.
3. Whatever is prayed for remains confidential, is never mentioned to another member of the parish (this includes my spouse!), and is only relayed to a member of the clergy if your permission is asked. On occasion the prayer might say something like, "Perhaps a clergy member could be of help with this. You might want to make an appointment to talk." Or if the person is reluctant to reach out, we might then add, "Would you like me to mention it to a clergy member?" But the decision is yours.
4. There is no "soaking prayer," as in the evangelical tradition. The prayer offered is short. It may be a liturgical prayer such as, "I lay my hands on you (on your shoulders or head, as in birthday blessings), and anoint you (with oil, in a cross on your forehead) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Or you may say a prayer yourself, to which the healing prayer person simply adds a short personal prayer of his/her own, addressing your concerns. In any case, it is not lengthy in hopes that all who wish prayers that Sunday may receive them.

Copyright © 2005 St. Augustine by-the-Sea