“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” (Psalm 103;2-40)
Among the gifts received from God by this means is that of healing. Anointing provides a vivid expression of God’s love in time of sickness. It is helpful at the onset of an illness, as well as in times of crisis.This service makes provision for the Church’s ministry of healing through the laying on of hands and/or anointing. From ancient times the laying on of hands has been a symbol for the conveying of God’s power.
“The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against God” (Daniel 9:9)
Scripture makes it clear that whenever someone turns to God in penitence, forgiveness follows. In addition, to reassure the consciences of those who continue to remain troubled, and to provide a discipline which many find beneficial, the Church offers this ministry of reconciliation.
When someone presents him or herself for reconciliation, the vicar, on behalf of the Christian community, listens to the person’s confession of wrongs and declares God’s forgiveness. In this ministry, the person is enabled to express the source of guilt, and the vicar then offers counsel and the assurance of reconciliation. The vicar exercises this ministry in complete confidentiality.