Ministry to the Sick - The Prayers

Bishop Eric Menees

Friends, we are continuing our examination of the Ministry to the Sick in the BCP’s Pastoral Rites section. We began it last week with the opening prayer and anointing of the sick. Today, we examine the second half of this powerful rite.

A Priest may add the following prayer. If this rite is used with multiple persons, it is appropriate for this prayer to be used after all have received individual prayer.  As you are outwardly anointed with this holy oil, so may our heavenly Father grant you the inward anointing of the Holy Spirit. Of his great mercy, may he forgive you your sins, release you from suffering, and restore you to wholeness and strength. May he deliver you from all evil, preserve you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Following the anointing, if a priest is present, he may pray this prayer for the forgiveness of sin.  We see that there is indeed a connection between physical illness and sin. I think of Jesus and the healing of the paralytic lowered through the roof by his friends in Luke 5 – what does Jesus say? “And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” (Luke 5:20) With the forgiveness of sin, we have the healing of our souls which affects every part of our lives.  Appropriately, the following prayer is a reminder that Jesus is sovereign – he is the source of all health and life. He is our strong tower. All healing, all health, all wholeness comes from God who is our protector and source of all Grace.  The service closes with a blessing if a priest is present.  I hope that you will prayerfully read the section of the rite covered today, but more importantly use this rite with a loved one or friend who may be ill.  I pray you all a blessed week and especially a very blessed celebration of All Saints’ Day.  Bishop Menees

Additional prayers or intercessions may be said. Additional prayers are on pages 231-235. See also Occasional Prayers #56-63 on pages 663-665.  The Lord’s Prayer is said.  Our Father, who art in heaven,  hallowed be thy Name,  thy kingdom come,  thy will be done,  on earth as it is in heaven.   Give us this day our daily bread.   And forgive us our trespasses,  as we forgive those as we forgive those  who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom,  and the power, and the glory,  for ever and ever. Amen.  The Officiant then prays  The Almighty Lord, who is a strong tower to all who put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth bow and obey: Be now and evermore your defense, and make you know and feel that the only Name under heaven given for health and salvation is the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.  A Priest may conclude the above prayer with a blessing.