This coming Sunday at both services we will celebrate a healing service, when we invite people to the altar rail during the time the sermon would normally be to pray with Grace’s intercessors for healing for themselves, their loved ones, our communities, or the world.
Whether we come to the Altar Rail for prayers or offer our petitions in our pew, we trust that the Lord hears every request and knows our needs even before we ask.
There is a special and Holy time when all are invited to come to the Altar Rail for Healing Prayers, and as Intercessors we are doubly Blessed to hold your hands and treat your petitions with trust in our hearts – awaiting the Holy Spirit. And sometimes tears – whether yours or the Intercessor’s – fall and gently splash on the Altar Rail. It is a Sacred thing. The Bible says that even “Jesus wept.”
I have frequently thought, and in fact struggled with the difference between being “healed” and being “cured.” Stories and Parables in Scripture teach us about Jesus’ acts of removing every sign and symptom of leprosy, epilepsy (“demons”), mental disease, perennial bleeding, and every human affliction. These “miracles” are called “healings,” but we mortals consider these as being “curings.” So when we pray “dear Lord” heal my loved one of his heart condition,” are we not asking God to “cure” our loved one? What ‘s the difference?
My thought is this: “Curing” is God’s “job” – to remove every trace of physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual dis-ease. I was diagnosed 40 years ago with a chronic illness, Rheumatoid Arthritis. Over the years I have dealt with chronic pain, multiple treatments, and disability to the point of being in a wheelchair at times. Like anyone I would have wished for a “cure.” Several years ago I had an epiphany: Even though there was no cure for what ailed me, I was HEALED! How did I know this? I would have arthritis indefinitely. I was humbled but not humiliated. I would likely always have pain. I was now not in a wheelchair. I loved God and God loved ME. I lived among a community of loving believers who cared for me and fed me soup and hope and encouragement and faith. These things gave me strength for the journey. I was not mad at God. God was not mad at me. I was not cured – but I was healed.
As we Intercessors pray for your needs and concerns, know that no matter your petition, we ask the Holy Spirit to bring you true healing in your mind, body, heart, soul, and spirit.
Blessings you all,
Diane LeBlanc
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