CELTIC HEALING SERVICE

Introduction

The question might be asked whether a 'Celtic Healing Service' consisting of ancient texts is of any use or relevance in today's world.

It is not the intention, however, to imitate some newly discovered ancient service, but to link our historical, cultural experience into the living tradition of the Church.

It is intended that this order of service should be a resource of prayer inspired by that tradition. Liturgy exists in the here and now, and is only good if it is in line with scriptural revelation, and helps to provide a setting within which corporate prayer, praise, worship and ministry can take place.

This healing service has been created simply by following the practice of many a Celtic scribe, collecting together the prayers and texts which are useful for this particular Celtic Service.

The prayerful climax of this service is built around a circle of kneelers or cushions, up to eight in number, placed in a central position for all to see, and laid out before the healing service. A reasonable gap is to be left between each cushion, to allow for personal space. The overall size of the circle should be sufficient to allow the comfortable moving around of three ministers within it: the leader and two circle attendants.

Hymns and choruses are not essential for the service, but background music may enhance the work of ministry around the circle. Lighting should, if possible, be softly done - candlelight may be helpful.

A REFLECTION ON GOD'S WORD is optional, depending on the numbers attending and the level of expectancy of God's love and miraculous power (both in the speaker and in the congregation).

Immediately the INVITATION is given, two pre-selected circle attendants quietly approach the circle and demonstrate the intercession activity. The leader and one attendant place a shawl (intended as a reminder of the robe of Christ's righteousness) around the shoulders of the other attendant (who may kneel or stand, or demonstrate both postures in turn) then anoint with oil while the leader leads the congregation in the HEALING INTERCESSIONS prayer for each individual.

"May the Spirit of the living God,
Flow into this beloved child,
Healing where there has been harm,
Strengthening where there is weakness,
And lifting the heart to reflect his glory.
Amen"

The two attendants should then change places for a second demonstration. The attendants then both stand and enter the circle, one with the shawl and one with the oil, and the same process of ministering and receiving is then offered to the congregation. It should be explained that any posture is acceptable; supplicants are welcome to stand if they are more comfortable with that, or a chair can be provided where necessary.

The HEALING INTERCESSIONS prayer is to be said by the congregation over each supplicant as they are covered and anointed in turn by the circle attendants.

Each supplicant is encouraged to remain at prayer at the circle for as long as they wish. Supplicants should not be encouraged to describe the condition needing healing.

The leader may continue to walk around inside the circle and bless quietly those remaining after prayer, while other supplicants may leave the circle and be replaced.

Celtic Healing Service Booklets
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