 HealingEvery Tuesday we focus on healing. This reflects our belief that God's purpose for us all is a life of wholeness, as expressed in the life and teaching of Jesus. The ministry of healing is an integral part of our Christian witness.We each stand in need of healing, but in this ministry we recognise also the social dimension. The healing of divided communities and nations, and the healing of the earth itself, have their place alongside the healing of broken bodies, hurt minds and wounded hearts, and of the hurts and divisions within ourselves. So too our prayers are complementary to the work of medicine and other forms of healing, which are also channels of God's loving and transforming purpose.  All members and friends receive a prayer diary that lists the names and concerns of all members and friends of the Community. We name the particular people, places and situations for which prayers have been specifically asked. We do this because each person and situation is known to God, not as a problem to be solved, but as a focus for God's acceptance and love. We are not seeking to change God but to change the world; and we trust God that our prayers will be answered, although we do not know when or how healing will happen. We affirm that the ministry of healing is not restricted to particular individuals but is a corporate, inclusive process - the work of the whole Christian community in which we all have a part to play. God's healing purpose, the promise of God's fulfilling and sustaining love, is for everyone of us. (Adapted from the Iona Community statement on healing). Reflection"I was in Dublin when Tony Blair asked forgiveness of the Irish people for the way in which, when people starved to death in the famine, food was shipped out of the country. That made impact. We have more awareness of the need for healing or reconciling of memories...in our time. Form confession may be superficial, an attempt to get shot of the sins of the past without cost. But accompanied by real repentance and amendment of life, confession brings to the surface things which fester from past history and allows them to be dealt with."The past, even the sinful past, can then become a resource for determining present priorities and policies. It can enable us to reject what can now be seen as sinful and take hold afresh of what is constructive for the establishment of God's kingdom." Ian M. Fraser - 'Purification of the Memory' in "Praying for the Dawn" p.61 Margaret Stewart, a doctor and minister, writes of 'the laying on of hands' ..." we come forward with concern for our lack of wholeness, for family and friends, for broken community, and by our action in asking and accepting the hands of people who travel alongside us tonight we open ourselves to the power of the healing spirit. Such can energise the healing process present in our bodies, our minds and our spirits. "Often, often, often comes Christ in the stranger's guise." ( from a Celtic Rune). Graham Monteith - The service of Prayers for Healing of the Iona Community in "Praying for the Dawn." p. 21. ReadingsLuke 5:17-26 | Mark 5:21-34Prayer"Watch now, dear Lord,with those who wake or watch or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ, Rest your weary ones, Bless your dying ones, soothe your suffering ones, Pity your afflicted ones, shield your joyous ones, And all for love's sake." St. Augustine |
 
Isolated Members and Friends
Wellspring seeks to support and encourage members and friends who are isolated. For more information send a message by clicking here The Wellspring Community has a Facebook group. For more information about Facebook click here. If you want to look at the Wellspring group then first you need to sign up. When you've signed up use the search function and you should find the Wellspring group. You'll need to ask for permission to join the group. That will come to the Wellspring office for approval. Wellspring Book Publication "Campfires and Wellsprings", a great read to supplement the urban pilgrimage. |