Rites of Healing

Healing was a central part of Jesus’ public ministry in the Gospels. It was both a sign of the Kingdom’s presence in him, and a foretaste of that Kingdom’s full arrival. His work of healing was both physical and spiritual, deliverance not only from disease but also from the power of sin and demonic oppression. After his resurrection, Jesus gave his apostles authority to forgive sins in his name, and commissioned them to exercise ministries of physical and spiritual healing. In our Anglican tradition, Jesus’ healing ministry is continued in three historic rites: sacramental confession to a priest, anointing of the sick, and Communion for those unable to attend public worship. (Ministry of exorcism should be preceded by consultation with the bishop.)

Corporate confession of sin is practiced in the Daily Office and the liturgy for Holy Eucharist, but private confession in the presence of a priest is also available. This rite offers the opportunity to name sins specifically and honestly, to hear assurance of forgiveness, to receive guidance in recognizing patterns of sin and learning to resist them, and to obtain the grace of absolution. Early Prayer Books required priests to ask those who were sick or dying to examine their consciences and encourage them to confess any known sin, and this remains an especially appropriate context for confession. It is also particularly appropriate for those who have committed grave sin, who are returning to the faith, who struggle with feelings of guilt and shame, or who are about to enter into a new stage of Christian life (through marriage, ordination, etc.). In the Anglican tradition, no one is required to make private confession to a priest, but all are welcome to do so.

Anointing of the sick may be made available in both public liturgies and private settings, using Oil of the Sick (Oleum Infirmorum) previously blessed by the bishop. Communion for those unable to attend public worship is provided using elements previously consecrated at a liturgy of Holy Eucharist.

Because all presbyters are called to share in Jesus’ ministry of healing, candidates should familiarize themselves with these Prayer Book rites and be prepared to use them.

Recommended Reading

Reconciliation by Martin Smith

Christian Healing by Mark Pearson

"The Three Blessed Oils" by the ACNA [1]

Areas of Liturgics

1. History of Christian Worship
2. Content and use of The Book of Common Prayer
3. Daily Office
4. Corporate and Private Prayer
5. Sacramental Theology
6. The Holy Eucharist
7. Baptism and Confirmation
8. Marriage and Children
9. Rites of Healing
10. Death and Burial
11. Sanctification of Time
12. Sanctification of Space
13. Liturgy and Music
14. Liturgy and Mission