The Very Reverend Billie Abraham, Rector
How did I get to the Episcopal Church?
September 2011
"I lay my hands upon you and
anoint you in the name of
the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit"
Service of Healing
I am frequently asked how I found my way to the Episcopal
Church. It is one of my favorite questions because I get to tell
about one of my favorite people. Some of you knew her, some of
you have heard me speak of her, and some will not know to whom I
am referring.
Glo Bottom introduced me to the Episcopal Church. Glo was a
member of Holy Trinity Church. Her physical frame was tiny, her
spiritual frame was giant. She was a born evangelist.
Glo was old enough to be my mother and mother me she did! Glo
was my confidant. She knew I was struggling with some
significant issues. She invited me to attend the Healing Service
at Holy Trinity Church.
How did I get to the Episcopal Church? It was by way of the
Healing Service and Glo and the community of people who attended
the weekly service. Not only was I welcomed by the faithful
congregation who showed up at noon every Wednesday, I was
anointed while prayers for my healing were offered by The
Reverends David Elliott and Sherry Travis. The Healing Service
so influenced my life that I was drawn to the Episcopal Church.
It was the Healing Service that facilitated a sense of spiritual
well being within me.
Just what are we praying for when we pray for healing? We are
praying for wholeness and the awareness of the Divine
Physician's loving care for us, God who is the source of all
healing. Is there a difference between curing and healing?
Curing refers to a physical restoration. Healing refers to a
spiritual transformation. Healing can take place in spite of
illness.
Should we pray for a cure? YES! We pray for a cure when we
are ill or when someone we love is ill or for all the sick and
suffering. We are called to be persistent and faithful when we
pray for a cure just as the Canaanite woman who begged Jesus to
cure her daughter. She couldn't be quieted, "Lord, help me." The
apostles asked Jesus to send her away because she was making
such a loud fuss. She wouldn't let up. She was a Gentile who
swallowed her pride and asked a Jew for a miracle. And Jesus
finally responded, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done
for you as you wish."
Pray for a cure, and pray for a healing too. Healing that
will lead us to the fullness of God's intention for us.
Healing that will revive our tired souls . . .
Healing that will give rest to our
weary minds . . .
Healing that will nourish our
hungry spirits . . .
Healing that will open our
hardened hearts to God's love and mercy.
May God the Father bless you, God the Son heal you, God the Holy
Spirit
give you strength. May God the holy and undivided Trinity guard
your body, save your soul, and bring you safely to that heavenly
country where
God lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Blessing for the Service of
Healing
Afterwards -- Glo Bottom lived to be 93 years old. In her
final days, when her world was confined and limited, she told me
that she finally had the opportunity to pray all day. Glo was
fragile as she approached death, but she was still a spiritual
giant.
In peace,
Billie+
|
SPIRITUALITY & WORSHIP
Billie's Corner