ASKED AT THE CHURCH DOOR

Q : "During communion people line up at the baptismal font for healing and the laying on of hands. What is going on there and why?"

Vicky Jamieson-Drake's reply: People who come to the healing station, before or just after receiving communion, come for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are troubled in spirit, sometimes they are dealing with physical illness, sometimes they just want a 'spiritual vaccination' or individual prayer reinforcement. They come for the grace and comfort of receiving anointing with oil of healing and the laying on of hands. Anointing of the sick, or unction, is one of the sacramental rites of the church. (See p. 860 of The Book of Common Prayer) The oil used is a light olive oil that has been blessed by a priest for this purpose. (The prayer for blessing the oil is found on page 455 of the BCP.) As with other sacramental rites, through an outward, visible sign, an inward, spiritual grace is bestowed. The sign is the oil and the laying on of hands. As with other sacraments, the signs remind us of the nature of the inner grace given. Human touch, such as a pat on the back, a gentle hand on the shoulder can give assurance and comfort. Oil, scented with healing herbs, was once widely used for medicinal purposes. With prayer, the laying on of hands upon a person's head conveys the assurance of God's loving presence and the healing and strengthening power of that love.

Usually people don't identify their need, though sometimes a person will specify a prayer request. "I've been struggling with depression." "My father has just been diagnosed with cancer." They kneel, or stand if kneeling is difficult, and the priest makes the sign of the cross on their forehead with oil, places hands upon their head, and says a prayer such as the following: "N., I lay my hands upon you and anoint you with oil, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, beseeching our Lord Jesus Christ to sustain you with his presence, to drive away all sickness of body and spirit, and to give you that victory of life and peace which will enable you to serve him both now and evermore. Amen." (BCP p. 456) My preference is to use each person's name as I lay hands upon his/her head, but sometimes my mind goes blank. I really appreciate it when people tell me their names as they kneel.

When I've been asked to pray for healing for another person as well, I'll add that person's name in the context of the prayer."...that Christ uphold you and N., that you both may know the healing power of his love."

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