In the Bible there is a story about a crippled man who sat and begged at a temple gate (Acts 3). The lame man asked for some money from Peter and John, two of Jesus' followers, but he received riches beyond his comprehension. 'Look at us,' said Peter, 'I have no money at all, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.' Peter then took him by the right hand and helped him to his feet. At once the man's feet and ankles became strong; he jumped up, stood on his feet, and started walking around.
Here at the very beginning of the Church's history, Peter and John are seen to obey the command of Jesus:
'He (Jesus) sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick' (Luke 9:2)
The healing ministry is important in the Church. Later, James writes in his letter:
'Is 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. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well' (James 5:14-15).
The Christian healing ministry plays an important part in the life of St Philip's. Prayers for healing are incorporated into the main Sunday Services, offered just before receiving Holy Communion. We do recognise, however, that people may feel unable to receive this ministry in a public setting, and so, there is the opportunity to receive prayer after the service for those who need or request it.
Once a quarter we also hold evening healing services. These are advertised through the news sheet and monthly magazine, and provide ideal opportunities for times of extended prayer and meditation. Through the ministry of healing we believe that Jesus meets people at their point of need: not necessarily where the Church would like people to be, but where we truly are, in our brokenness and vulnerability. When we pray for his help, he comforts, strengthens and heals us, responding to our deepest needs.