Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them (Isaiah 57.19)

-The Healing Rite: Prayers for Healing

Where can I come for Prayers for Healing?

The St Columba’s Healing Rite (Prayers for Healing) is offered twice each month on the second and fourth Sundays at the 9:00 am and 11:15 am Sunday services. It takes place during Communion in the St. Aidan’s Chapel (entrance through the flower guild room at the right front of the nave), and at the back of the Nave near the 42nd Street entrance.

All prayer requests and/or communications with Healing Rite Ministers remain confidential. Healing Ministers welcome praying for any concerns, no matter how large or small–including prayers of thanksgiving.

Why is this practice offered?

• This pastoral practice bears witness to our belief that God offers healing, wholeness, and reconciliation for all of us;
• Healing prayer brings an important ministry of Jesus to our shared contemporary community life; and
• Praying for healing has been an important part of Christian faith traditions for over two thousand years.

What can I expect?

When you come forward for prayer, the healing minister will greet you and ask you who/what you wish to pray for. In the St. Aidan’s Chapel area, you may kneel or stand as you wish. If you go to the back of the nave at the 42nd Street entrance, you will be standing.

The minister may ask if they may place their hands on your shoulders or head. If you do not wish them to – just let them know. The practice of laying hands on another in prayer is part of our Christian tradition, but is not essential for us to experience the healing love of God.

Each minister has their own style, but they will all try to mirror your words as they pray with you for what you have asked to be lifted up.

What can I ask for prayers about?

You are welcome to ask about anything that is on your heart – for yourself or for others. Nothing is too small or too ordinary. Prayers of thanksgiving are also welcome.

Will I feel differently or experience something special? What if I don’t feel anything or feel different?

There is no norm for how you should feel or act. You can be assured though that the healing minister who is praying:

• Believes in the power of God to heal
• Believes that God is hearing your prayer
• Prays in confidence and thanksgiving that the healing you ask for has begun by the simple act of your taking the initiative to ask for it

The healing minister will keep what you have shared in confidence and will never approach you to bring up your prayer if you happen to meet in another setting – even if you know one another. However, you can bring up your prayer to the person if you wish.

Are you interested in becoming a Healing Minister?

You do not need an extra dose of holiness to be a Healing Minister. All Christians are called to some kind of ministry and this simple ministry may be the one for you.

Would you like to listen to and support your fellow St. Columbans? To pray with your fellow parishioners, you will need to keep confidences, and to trust that however you pray in the name of Jesus, it will be fine. Whatever your praying style, there is a place for you. No one serves until they feel comfortable. There will be a brief period of shadowing a lay healing minister, so that you may know whether the fit is right for you.

All baptized Christians are called to some kind of ministry. Could it be that this simple and sacred lay ministry could be part of your calling? If you would like to explore being part of the healing ministry, please join us at the next open HM meeting on Martin Luther King weekend on January 18, 2026. Please contact Woody Turner for more information.

If you have questions or desire more information:

Healing Prayer Church priest liaison The Rev Adelyn Tyler Williams atyler-williams@columba.org

Contact healingleader@columba.org

Coleaders: Gabby Herderschee-Hunter and Orion Hyson