Service of Healing Liturgy for April 29, 2020 - Praying the Psalms
A SERVICE OF HEALING
Taken and adapted from the Princeton-Penn Medicine Religious Ministries Service of Healing, the Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church and the New Zealand Prayer Book
You are invited to find a quiet place in your home and light a candle
as a reminder that Jesus, the Light of the World, is present among us.
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
I sought the Lord and the Lord answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
This poor soul cried and was heard by the Lord
and was saved from every trouble.
The Lord is near to the broken-hearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Thanks be to God!
PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS
You called us by our name, O Faithful God. With your abundant grace and might, free us from that which hinders our faith and obstructs your mercy so that we may receive you joyfully and serve you always, embodying your redeeming love to all the world. Have mercy on us. Be gracious to us. As you continue to teach us of your hopes, your dreams, and your love for us, help us to see ourselves as you see us, as a loved child of your Creation. Open our hearts to receive your mercy and grace and your light.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Out of our lives laced with sorrows and mistakes, God is able to weave a tapestry of grace, forgiveness, and healing. God has sent redemption for all. At all times, and for every grace, we give thanks to God.
OPENING PRAYER
God of the present moment, God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; bring hope and courage to us as we wait in uncertainty. Bring us hope that you will make us the equal of whatever lies ahead. Give us courage to endure what cannot be avoided, for your will is health and wholeness; you are God, and we need you. Amen.
SCRIPTURE Psalm 27
PRAYER PRACTICE Lectio Divina
Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me
to devour my flesh—
my adversaries and foes—
they shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.
One thing I asked of the LORD,
that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the LORD,
and to inquire in his temple.
For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
Now my head is lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud,
be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.
Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will take me up.
Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they are breathing out violence.
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!
HOMILY: Praying the Psalms
PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND WHOLENESS:
L: Like the first disciples before the coming of God’s power at Pentecost, we wait in faith, and pray.
Be with us, Holy Spirit; nothing can separate us from your love. (Chime)
Be with us as of old, fill us with your power, direct all our thoughts to your goodness. (Chime)
Be present, Holy Spirit; bring faith and healing and peace. (Chime)
Silence
L: The Lord is here. God’s Spirit is with us.
Almighty God, we pray that all those on our congregation’s prayer lists,
all those impacted by the coronavirus,
and those whom we name before you, may be comforted in their suffering and made whole.
When they are afraid, give them courage; when we are afraid, give us courage; when they feel weak, grant them your strength; when we feel weak, grant us your strength; when they are afflicted, afford them patience; when we are afflicted, afford us patience; when they are lost, offer them hope; when we are lost, offer us hope; when they are alone, assure them of your presence;
when we are alone, assure us of your presence; when death comes, open your arms to receive them;
when death comes, open your arms to receive us. In the name of Jesus, Healer of Our Every Ill, we pray.
Amen.
May the power of God's indwelling presence heal you of all illnesses— of body, mind, spirit, and relationships— that you may serve God with a loving heart. Amen.
BLESSING
Gracious God, you have given us much today; grant us also a thankful spirit. Into your hands we commend ourselves and those we love. Be with us still, and when we take our rest renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
In darkness and in light, in trouble and in joy, help us, heavenly Father, to trust your love, to serve your purpose, and to praise your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
