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An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

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Although prayers for healing are said in different ways <strong>and</strong> at different times in bothchurches, <strong>the</strong>re is always a time when praying is <strong>the</strong> focus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> service. The prayermeeting in COGIC places <strong>the</strong> emphasis on prayer for many different things includinghealing, whereas in <strong>the</strong> URC services <strong>the</strong>re is a separate focus on healing apart fromgeneral prayer.Healing service in <strong>the</strong> URCThe session starts with a period <strong>of</strong> quiet time for reflective contemplation.Song 22 from Songs <strong>of</strong> Fellowship;Invitation by <strong>the</strong> minister to join <strong>the</strong> healing service <strong>and</strong> to come forward for <strong>the</strong> laying<strong>of</strong> h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> prayer;The presiding minister invited ano<strong>the</strong>r minister to join him at this time. Before <strong>the</strong> start<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main service, <strong>the</strong>y had prepared toge<strong>the</strong>r for this part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> service throughdiscussion <strong>and</strong> prayer.The second minister went forward <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y prayed quietly toge<strong>the</strong>r whilst <strong>the</strong>congregation looked on <strong>and</strong> joined quietly in prayer if <strong>the</strong>y so wished.The organist played quiet background music throughout <strong>the</strong> healing service.Seven members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> congregation went forward for prayer <strong>and</strong> laying on <strong>of</strong> h<strong>and</strong>s.Initially two people went forward <strong>and</strong> each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m was prayed for individually by <strong>the</strong>ministers both laying h<strong>and</strong>s on each person <strong>and</strong> praying.The o<strong>the</strong>r members went forward <strong>and</strong> each person was prayed for individually.The seventh person was in tears <strong>and</strong> was comforted by ano<strong>the</strong>r member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>congregation <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> elders. This member was comforted for some time after<strong>the</strong> services was closed.252

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