Do you annoint with oil?

[Wilson L. Deaton]

I'm planning to anoint (with oil) two members of the church this coming Sunday. Normally, I just (very briefly) mention the meaning of it and then pray for the person as I anoint them.

I'm wondering if any of you might have some kind of a more formal ritual that you use... Also, how do you normally actually do it? (Drop on the head, forehead, on your finger then to their head or what?)

Wilson

[Donna Adams]

My husband often reads supportive scripture, and if there is anyone new to the church there he explains further. Mike makes the sign of the cross when he annoints..he puts the oil on his finger, then touches the head and makes a cross. There's really no reason to be formal doing this, simply annoint and pray and believe.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

I feel like I've mentioned this before on Naznet (perhaps on the Ceileighsighaosghaoug software), but I have almost always read from James 5 (http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=3930781) to the individual who is being anointed and the others who have gathered with him/her. I always encourage leaders and loved ones to gather. This is more important to me than the actual anointing (see the passage). It's most often been a very meaningful experience both for the anointer and the anointed in my experience.

I don't think what I've done is "formal." Actually, I try to make it less formal and more meaningful, faith-filled, and conducive to genuine intercession. As I see it, this is yet another practice that has 0.01% to do with what we do than why and with what heart we do it (which makes up the other 99.99%).

As most often, I offer this not as necessary prescription, but experienced input.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Some traditions, as I understand it, put oil on the thumb, and anoint with it, others use the forefinger.

The oil is applied to the forehead in the sign of the cross with the words, "I anoint you with oil in the sign of the cross in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."

Prior to anointing, I often remind people that the oil is representative of the Holy Spirit, and that as we anoint we are asking that the Holy Spirit be real in their life and deal with the issue at hand.

By the way, starting next Sunday, we are closing each third Sunday of the month's morning worship service with a service of healing.



I'm planning to anoint (with oil) two members of the church this coming Sunday. Normally, I just (very briefly) mention the meaning of it and then pray for the person as I anoint them.

I'm wondering if any of you might have some kind of a more formal ritual that you use... Also, how do you normally actually do it? (Drop on the head, forehead, on your finger then to their head or what?)

Wilson

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

The first step to anointing is emptying yourself and having yourself ready to be a facilitory of which the Holy Spirit will use.

Garry uses the cross - like what Scott mentioned.

Perhaps, Garry will join NazNet tonight and speak on regarding this subject.

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

By the way, starting next Sunday, we are closing each third Sunday of the month's morning worship service with a service of healing.

Amazing - Garry has been considering something very similar. i would love to know *how* you will impliment this. Will you cut your regular service activities? Will this be an option for people to remain behind? Will you do this at the altar or in a specific prayer room where people will have privacy?

If you don't mind giving your plans, i would really love to hear them. If you don't want it public, could i have an email.

May God bless you.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Things could evolve a bit as we continue, but right now the service of healing will be a part of the pastoral prayer time which take place following the sermon. People are invited to come and the church family is then asked to gather round to lay hands on during prayer. I then go from person to person praying over their need.

In addition to physical healing, we also welcome the opportunity to pray for the healing of relationships, emotions, and other issues.

I imagine Garry is planning something very similar, right? :basic01




Amazing - Garry has been considering something very similar. i would love to know *how* you will impliment this. Will you cut your regular service activities? Will this be an option for people to remain behind? Will you do this at the altar or in a specific prayer room where people will have privacy?

If you don't mind giving your plans, i would really love to hear them. If you don't want it public, could i have an email.

May God bless you.

[Ian Gentles]

i prefer oil being poured over their heads, but i guess its the faith of the anointer that matters.

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

I imagine Garry is planning something very similar, right? :basic01

Actually, Garry's plan is much more in the infant stage than yours. We have never heard of a Nazarene church having a regular healing service and were a bit curious about that.

Do you know of any other Nazarene churches that offer regular healing services?

i just wonder if some of this needs to be in private, though. i know when i am seeking healing - i don't want an audience. Perhaps, i am wrong.

[John Kennedy]

The church I attend (First Congregational, Redlands, CA) provides an opportunity for a time of "prayer and healing" following the service. Those desiring prayer for any reason, including healing, are asked to meet at the baptismal font at the front of the church for this. Apparently the minister feels it's meeting a vital need - he's been doing it for years.

[Wilson L. Deaton]

"...There are a number of reasons for understanding this application of oil as medicinal rather than sacramental. The word aleipsantes ("anoint") is not the usual word for sacramental or ritualistic anointing. James could have used the verb chrio if that had been what he had in mind. The distinction is still observed in modern Greek, with aleipho meaning "to daub," "to smear," and chrio meaning "to anoint." Furthermore, it is a well-documented fact that oil was one of the most common medicines of biblical times. See Isaiah 1:6 and Luke 10:34. Josephus (Antiq. XVII, 172 [vi. 5]) reports that during his last illness Herod the Great was given a bath in oil in hopes of effecting a cure. The papyri, Philo, Pliny, and the physician Galen all refer to the medicinal use of oil. Galen described it as "the best of all remedies for paralysis" (De Simplicium Medicamentorum Temperamentis 2.10fl). It is evident, then, that James is prescribing prayer and medicine. (Donald Burdick, The Expositor's Bible Commentary.)

Have any of you heard this before? What do you think?

Wilson

[Wilson L. Deaton]

"...There are a number of reasons for understanding this application of oil as medicinal rather than sacramental. The word aleipsantes ("anoint") is not the usual word for sacramental or ritualistic anointing. James could have used the verb chrio if that had been what he had in mind. The distinction is still observed in modern Greek, with aleipho meaning "to daub," "to smear," and chrio meaning "to anoint." Furthermore, it is a well-documented fact that oil was one of the most common medicines of biblical times. See Isaiah 1:6 and Luke 10:34. Josephus (Antiq. XVII, 172 [vi. 5]) reports that during his last illness Herod the Great was given a bath in oil in hopes of effecting a cure. The papyri, Philo, Pliny, and the physician Galen all refer to the medicinal use of oil. Galen described it as "the best of all remedies for paralysis" (De Simplicium Medicamentorum Temperamentis 2.10fl). It is evident, then, that James is prescribing prayer and medicine. (Donald Burdick, The Expositor's Bible Commentary.)

Have any of you heard this before? What do you think?

Wilson

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

Good morning, Wilson -

First of all, in answer to your question - no, i haven't heard that a commentary of God's Word had penned such thoughts. But, boy, am i interested.

It seemed, based on what you have printed for us, that anoint has several meanings in the Bible, just as does love.

Wilson - i don't know if this fits or not - i just know that as i was reading about organic chemistry compound this morning - -i thought of your post. You see, the more i see science - the more i see God everywhere. "For without God was anything made that was made."

The western world has accepted the value and worth of some of God's chemicals. Some of it - it struggles to accept and that struggle is found in the church - and that struggle intrigues me beyond words. For, i have found in my life -the very things i struggled not to accept from God were the very things that were vital for victorious living.

We, the western world, have accepted the value of solid metals: eg. gold, iron, coal, diamonds, sapphire, - the emeralds of the earth. (edited to add: not only do we accept these compounds to our culture - we embrace them as jewels.)

But, when it comes to the liquid metals - we barf - except for the black oil that we put in our vehicles and our homes. And yet- liquid compounds (oils) have been listed within the pages of God's Holy Word. Remember He died on the cross for our HEALING - not for our band aids. (edited to add: the more i study the molecules of the earth - the more i ponder the consideration of the oils of the plant kingdom as being jewels - just as valuable as gold and diamonds.)

Wilson, you've been around the church long enough to possibly have heard that *7* is God's perfect number. He built our existence upon the number 7. Our week is made of up the number 7. Did you know that the Periodic Table has 7 layers? Do you realize that each and every item that has been place upon, beneath and above this earth is comprised of simple building blocks (hydrogen atoms) from which the richness and elegance of our complexed world has been created?

Think of this verse, "Ever since the creation of the world, God's eternal power and divine nature, invisible through they are, have been understood and seen through the things He has made." Romans 1:20

The NIV states it in a very powerful way - Romans 1:20 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
NIV at IBS International Bible Society NIV at Zondervan Zondervan

20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

And how does The Message state this verse?

Romans 1:20 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
The Message at Navpress NavPress

20By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse.

**********
God created molecules in the plants of the earth.
God created molecules in the mountains and hills of the earth.
God created molecules in the animals of the earth.
God created molecules in the humanity of the earth.
**********

Interesting for me to sit here today and ponder - God's creation that walks upon this earth.

Most all of creation eats only other elements that God created. God's creation is best maintained when it is filled with more of God's creation.

Having said that - what creatures eat the waste and trash of the earth and of God's creation? The creatures that have been named 'scavengers'.

i have thought about my diet today and ponder - how much of it is God's stuff and how much of it is man made stuff.

Then, i wonder - - -have i become a scavenger - - eating more of man's stuff than God's?

*********
The anointing oils for healing, medicine, purifying - -

Who made those oils? God or man?
What are their properties?
Are the properties found upon the Periodic Table - that has seven layers - that is recognized world wide as the essential elements of the earth?

(edited to add - i have been fascinated with the power of the microscopic ever since my microbiology class. It was there that i learned the profound truth that NOTHING of value or invalue - NOTHING - whether negative or positive - starts above the microscopic level. We can't see that level with the naked eye - yet, it is the foundation *world* upon which we see. The layers of our heart of hearts - the layers of God's - - oh...my heart pounds quickly with excitement, eagerness and desire to learn more.)

i don't have answers, Wilson - but i am seeking, digging and pondering.

There is a song that i use to sing years ago - along the lines of - push away from the table and look out to the harvest. My House is full - and my field is empty - - who will go and work for me today. It seems my children all want to stay around the table.

When my "stomach" has been full of God, when i am satisfied - - it is when my quest for learning is complete.

i have purposed to pray often - Lord, keep me hungry and thirsty to know more about You.

He is faithful to answer my prayer.

Wilson - keep digging....keep asking questions - even ones that aren't popular to ask. i am digging beside you.

[Judy Hamilton]

Our church also has a time for healing prayer at the close of the service..many times there are several persons seeking prayer...the reason they do this at the close of the service is so persons can linger in the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit and not be rushed to be seated so the order of the service can proceed.

I have seen oil placed with just the finger tips to the forhead..other ministers have made the sign of the cross..as the Bible does not address this specifically..perhaps it is left to the person annointing to do as their spirit directs.

3Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

May every seeker find release from the bondages of infirmities ..my prayer this day

Judy

[Wilson L. Deaton]

Good morning, Wilson -
....
Wilson - i don't know if this fits or not - i just know that as i was reading about organic chemistry compound this morning - -i thought of your post. You see, the more i see science - the more i see God everywhere. "For without God was anything made that was made."....

Belinda,

One of my good friends and members of my church is a research scientist for the pharmacuetical company, Abbott Labs. He is always amazed at how other scientists research and study the same stuff he does and they somehow DON'T see that there must be a God behind it! For him, the more he learns the more God amazes him. I'm a long way from being an amatuer astronomer but I love hearing and learning more and more about the cosmos. And like my friend, it makes me ever more in awe of God's creativity.

I conducted the annointing this morning as follows:

I put the James passage on the screen and read it. I then called forward the two ladies to be anointed. I then called two other elders present (one of my regulars and my D.S who was in the service) to join me as well. I then invited anyone in the congregation to surround them as well. (We had near 60 today and the majority came forward.) I said something like, "____ and ____, Pastors do not heal people. Oil does not heal people. Oil is often used in Scripture as a symbol of the presence and of God. God heals people. By coming forward this morning in obedience to the Word of God you are testifying to your faith in God as the Great Physician and hs power to heal. You are also signifying your submission to his will." I then prayed for each one separately and as I did so anointed them on the forehead in the sign of the sign of the cross.

Wilson

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

I did my first "third Sunday" Service of Healing this morning, and pretty much did the same thing you did (didn't read the scripture). Oh, and I simply asked all who would to come and assist in praying for those who came for prayer rather than having specific people serve as "elders."

I am thinking that anointing should be a common enough enough in our services that it isn't a "big deal" to our people. When I pray for people in this setting I try to pray in a matter of fact fashion so it is clear that we aren't trying to work anything up -- we are simply children asking our Father to intervene in our lives.

Having said that, I know that you are in a very different situation than I am as I am working in a very established church and in my 7th year here.

Over the years (been in the ministry 33 years) I find that I anoint more often now than ever. It seems to be a needed ministry in our church these days.




I conducted the annointing this morning as follows:

I put the James passage on the screen and read it. I then called forward the two ladies to be anointed. I then called two other elders present (one of my regulars and my D.S who was in the service) to join me as well. I then invited anyone in the congregation to surround them as well. (We had near 60 today and the majority came forward.) I said something like, "____ and ____, Pastors do not heal people. Oil does not heal people. Oil is often used in Scripture as a symbol of the presence and of God. God heals people. By coming forward this morning in obedience to the Word of God you are testifying to your faith in God as the Great Physician and hs power to heal. You are also signifying your submission to his will." I then prayed for each one separately and as I did so anointed them on the forehead in the sign of the sign of the cross.

Wilson

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

I did my first "third Sunday" Service of Healing this morning, and pretty much did the same thing you did (didn't read the scripture). Oh, and I simply asked all who would to come and assist in praying for those who came for prayer rather than having specific people serve as "elders."

I am thinking that anointing should be a common enough enough in our services that it isn't a "big deal" to our people. When I pray for people in this setting I try to pray in a matter of fact fashion so it is clear that we aren't trying to work anything up -- we are simply children asking our Father to intervene in our lives.

Having said that, I know that you are in a very different situation than I am as I am working in a very established church and in my 7th year here.

Over the years (been in the ministry 33 years) I find that I anoint more often now than ever. It seems to be a needed ministry in our church these days.


Scott, your post moved me greatly. i stand side by side you on this issue, and i am astonished at this because you and i have not had any phone calls, emails or naznet discussions of this topic.

Every word you posted resonated within my heart -

i do believe - with you - that it should be common place; such as, praying for each other - - it should be a normal thing to look around the church between services and seeing little huddles of prayer.

i told Loraine this morning that i am astonished at how it seems that several of us at NazNet are being moved to a similar page - and we have had no previous communications with each other regarding this topic. This is intriguing to me and almost awesome to me. Awesome - not from the way of saying *too cool*...but rather - *You are awesome in this place Mighty God*.

Garry is still praying and considering the subject.

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

Belinda,

One of my good friends and members of my church is a research scientist for the pharmacuetical company, Abbott Labs. He is always amazed at how other scientists research and study the same stuff he does and they somehow DON'T see that there must be a God behind it! For him, the more he learns the more God amazes him. I'm a long way from being an amatuer astronomer but I love hearing and learning more and more about the cosmos. And like my friend, it makes me ever more in awe of God's creativity.

I conducted the annointing this morning as follows:

I put the James passage on the screen and read it. I then called forward the two ladies to be anointed. I then called two other elders present (one of my regulars and my D.S who was in the service) to join me as well. I then invited anyone in the congregation to surround them as well. (We had near 60 today and the majority came forward.) I said something like, "____ and ____, Pastors do not heal people. Oil does not heal people. Oil is often used in Scripture as a symbol of the presence and of God. God heals people. By coming forward this morning in obedience to the Word of God you are testifying to your faith in God as the Great Physician and hs power to heal. You are also signifying your submission to his will." I then prayed for each one separately and as I did so anointed them on the forehead in the sign of the sign of the cross.

Wilson


Wilson, as i wrote to Scott - my heart is moved greatly with the mysteries of God - how He is directing several of us to a similar path. Several things in the last six weeks have made me stand and marvel...then, i have to fall on my face before Him - then, i can't stand it any longer - i burst in praise.

God is moving - He is moving strong........i don't know where He is leading but He is definitely leading.

i have enjoyed this thread a lot. It has been so affirming in so many ways.

May blessings be upon you and your household of faith.

belinda

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

On another note, Wilson - how i would LOVE to speak with that guy in your church. *grins*

The study of the cosmic force is astonishing. His strength and power are only understood in tiny ways as we study. i feel that i am just scratching the surface. i often pray - Lord, You know that part of my brain that they say i ain't using......please, use it ......fill it up with the wonders of Your majesty.

He is beyond description.

i am so excited as i penn these words that my fingers are dancing over the keys and many mistakes have been made........hehe.......hehe......oh Glory....

WoW - oh WoW

edited to add - yes, he and i could talk for hours on the chemical compounds in the pharmacy world - - now, i will be really good and stop these fingers from dancing over the keyboard.

oopsie - saved by the clock - time to go to church again. To be in His House of Worship.

[Marsha Gupton]

My church has pastors at the opposite ends of the altars each sunday morning during the pastoral prayer to annoint anyone that wants to come to the altar for healing. Since this is done at the same time as the pastoral prayer no one is singled out. However, there have been people on occassion who have asked the pastor before sunday services that they would like to be annointed for healing. One such situaiton happened this fall when a young man in our church who has leukemia was annointed for healing. This is always such a reverent and holy time. One can always feel the true presence of God I believe.

[Terri Knoll]

is this still done? if so why...if not why not?
can you give me Biblical evidence for either?

thanx in advance for your replies

[Andrea Larabee]

is this still done? if so why...if not why not?
can you give me Biblical evidence for either?

thanx in advance for your replies

Yes it is still done today though not in every church.


James 5:14 (New International Version)

14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

[Ralph Wood]

I use the oil especially when praying for the sick. To me it accentuates the fact that the Spirit of God is at work & takes the focus off of me. Other than that I follow James 5:14 as a guide.

[Ann Smith]

Our pastor anoints with oil frequently at our church. It is scriptural.
Ann

[Marsha Gupton]

every sunday morning we have pastors available at the altar during prayer time to anoint with oil. It is done in my church (nazarene) and it is scriptural. Although, I do not have the scripture references at this time.

[Barb Bouldrey]

Annointing with oil is a sign of the Holy Spirit or the presence of God. All the kings of Israel were annointed by the high priest. It is a sign of blessing, also.

Psalm 23 says "you annoint my head with oil." James says to be annointed and prayed for with the laying on of hands for sickness.

I do not know of any Nazarene pastor that does not annoint with oil.

Barb

[Barbara Moulton]

We give opportunity for people to be annointed with oil, pretty well every Sunday.

[Billie Goodson]

It is a regular part of our pastor's service. When I say regular, I do not mean all the time, but, done as requested. It is not unusual for it to occur maybe once a month or so.

[Andrea Larabee]

Here's another great "Healing Oil" song...

It's on a album by Crystal Lewis

HEALING OIL
© copyright Chris Lizotte
Lord I am tired
I'm losing sleep
I stuggle with breathing
It overwhelms me
Lord I am thirsty
I don't want to eat
My body is aching
For peace
I'd like to run again
Or even just walk
Or just see the ocean
One more time
Lord I look forward
To sit at your feet
I know what you'll do for me when we meet

(chorus)
I can feel your healing oil
Running down my brow
I wouldn't trade another lifetime
For how I feel right now
(repeat chorus)

Lord I am weary
I know that you're near
Take care of my family
While we're apart
And I thank you for giving me
This life that I've had
Now I look for the comfort
Of your arms

[Andrea Larabee]

oh Andrea - cool lyrics.

i have tried to find a site where i can hear this song. It sounds like one i would really enjoy. Thanks for sharing.

That one you posted is great too. I'll have to find it as well. This song I posted was on Crystal's album titled, "Beauty For Ashes". Out of all her albums, I would say, this one is more deeply spiritual and thought provoking. All her lyrics are Biblically correct.

I found a sample of Healing Oil for you at Christianbook.com Just do a search there for this album/artist and a song list to listen to will come right up. BUT I don't think this is the best clip. You mostly hear music. The song is very slow with a beat to it. Reminds me of the rythm of a heart beat. The other songs on this album may appeal to you as well. Enjoy!:basic01

[Terri Knoll]

thank you everyone for your thoughts. I truly appreciate them. I am also a firm believer in anointing with oils. I have been busy and haven't had time to ponder all your great responses, but I will. it's near and dear to my heart too.

thanx again

[Steven Kochersperger]

If so when do you do this? Only when someone requests it? Only when it is a serious medical condition?

[Barb Bouldrey]

John has oil available near the pulpit and will annoint someone who requests to be annointed for healing. If they request it before service, he annoints them during pastoral prayer time. There are times someone will come to the altar during prayer time or at the close of a service and ask to be annointed.

Sometimes someone who is in the hospital or homebound with an illness will call and ask him to come annoint and pray for them. He carries this small quarter-sized container of oil, but the Christian bookstore has very small vials of wonderfully scented oils...not just olive oil.

Barb

[Kevin Rector]

I do, generally when it is requested. I have on occasion suggested it, but that is rather rare and I am sure is due only to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

[Crystal Lutton]

I annoint with oil when we do congregational prayer and members come forward for prayer. I also do it anytime I'm asked.

[Mike Schutz]

I follow the same procedure that Barb's husband John follows.

[Sheya Stephens]

My daughter was 6 and having her 5th surgery when she said that the Dr's couldn't fix it right, so she thought she would ask Jesus and ask the church to ask Jesus. Our pastor anointed her with oil. It was a big step in all of our faiths to watch our daughter seeking His healing.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

By the way, starting next Sunday, we are closing each third Sunday of the month's morning worship service with a service of healing.

Since this topic has been brought up again, I went ahead and merged three threads I found.

Let me follow up on what I said over 2 years ago. I tried closing the third Sunday of each month with a service of healing but was dissatisfied with it. For one thing it gave the impression that I thought people should wait till the third Sunday to be anointed for their physical needs. That wasn't the intention of putting it on the schedule, but it may have left that feeling.

Another issue was that some folks will ask for anointing every time it is offered. In time, praying for their needs becomes routine. We ended up praying for the same people repeatedly. I am being careful in how I describe this because I don't want to appear insensitive to their need, you may need to read between the lines here.

Often, I offer to anoint people. If I have a conversation with someone during the week in which they share a physical concern, such as a coming surgery, etc. I often ask them if they would like to be anointed with oil next Sunday. Then, prior to the pastoral prayer, I mention that I am going to anoint with oil at the conclusion of the prayer and invite those who would like to be prayed for to come and sit on the front row.

Related: I don't make praying for the sick into the main focus of the pastoral prayer. I pray over the needs of our world, nation, community, and local church, and then move to anoint people. When I pray for them I turn off my mic, invite those who believe in prayer to lay hands on the sick, and pray for them there.

I often explain to the congregation that I make an effort to be unemotional at such a time. The idea is to pray in trust for healing, not to "work something up." I want to avoid using a "magic" approach so I pray in a calm matter of fact way for the need.

I also include "not my will but Thine be done" language. Again, this isn't a magic act, we are children talking to our Father about our needs. Healing or not is dependent on his purposes in our lives. We must be careful to acknowledge that God is at work in our lives even when things are happening that we don't like very much.

I hope this is helpful to someone.

[Crystal Lutton]

Another issue was that some folks will ask for anointing every time it is offered. In time, praying for their needs becomes routine. We ended up praying for the same people repeatedly. I am being careful in how I describe this because I don't want to appear insensitive to their need, you may need to read between the lines here.We do have some like this (and as I said in another thread we have congregational prayer every week with annointing with oil). Sometimes the person doesn't seem to want to change, more often, though, we have people who just have a long time struggle with something and need that continuous prayer. Often there are things outside of their control.

The thing that has brought the most change in these people's lives, though, is our increased sense of community. When someone is having an ongoing struggle we work to embrace them and get them with people who can actually help them. Our new thing is if someone comes more than two times in a 6 month period seeking benevolence, unless there is an ongoing issue we are aware of, we want to send them to a financial advisor to help them work out a budget and make sure we aren't just enabling them but are helping them figure out how to change things.

We also make sure to include enough praise reports during this time that people see God actually doing things and they want God to move on their behalf. That they are seeking growth and change and not just validation to stay the same.

[Susan Unger]

Actually, Garry's plan is much more in the infant stage than yours. We have never heard of a Nazarene church having a regular healing service and were a bit curious about that.

Do you know of any other Nazarene churches that offer regular healing services?

i just wonder if some of this needs to be in private, though. i know when i am seeking healing - i don't want an audience. Perhaps, i am wrong.

My former pastor at my old church would have healing services on Sunday nights. Those were wonderful times. Then later on, his pastoral prayer times every sunday am became extended anointing times for anyone needing annointing [many did]. That was very special to many in the congregation. This would extend the service past noon but eventually everyone came to accept this.

[BobHunt]

I love the idea of annointing for the healing of emotions....in this age we live in, that has been needed for a long time and I think we have ignored it. People come to know Jesus but they are still so human, and they have baggage with them, just like we all do..from circumstances and past life.