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

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The method <strong>and</strong> processes <strong>of</strong> closing <strong>the</strong> service in both churches usually include a finalattempt to <strong>of</strong>fer prayer for healing which may mention <strong>the</strong> need for healing fromsuffering which people may not have announced, or been recognized by o<strong>the</strong>rs.The minister or <strong>the</strong> moderator invites <strong>the</strong> congregation to say <strong>the</strong> grace to each o<strong>the</strong>r orwhilst facing each o<strong>the</strong>r. This provides an opportunity to seek forgiveness from eacho<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> to <strong>of</strong>fer words that encourage healing, to each o<strong>the</strong>r. In <strong>the</strong> URC <strong>the</strong>se wordsare said at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> service whilst making eye contact with o<strong>the</strong>r members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>congregation.‗May <strong>the</strong> Grace <strong>of</strong> God, <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r, Son <strong>and</strong> Holy Spirit be with you now <strong>and</strong> foreverAmen.‟ Those words are said to each individual with a h<strong>and</strong>-shake. ‗Peace be with you‘,<strong>and</strong> may be said during <strong>the</strong> service at a point selected by <strong>the</strong> minister or at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>service again as decided by <strong>the</strong> minister.In COGIC <strong>the</strong>se words are said toge<strong>the</strong>r as a prayer (but not to each o<strong>the</strong>r withh<strong>and</strong>shakes as in <strong>the</strong> URC.)‗<strong>An</strong>d now may <strong>the</strong> Saving Grace <strong>of</strong> our Lord <strong>and</strong> SaviourJesus Christ be with you now <strong>and</strong> forever. Amen.‘ COGIC do not say <strong>the</strong> „Peace.‟ As analternative, <strong>the</strong> „Benediction‟ may be said as an indication that <strong>the</strong> service has come to aclose <strong>and</strong> as a final prayer <strong>of</strong> thanks to God <strong>and</strong> blessing for <strong>the</strong> congregation. In COGIC<strong>the</strong> minister or moderator may ask a church member (usually an <strong>of</strong>ficer) to say <strong>the</strong>benediction whilst in URC it is likely to be <strong>the</strong> minister who says <strong>the</strong> final blessing.In <strong>the</strong> URC <strong>the</strong> Grace is usually said at <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> service <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Peace is saidduring or at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> service when <strong>the</strong> congregation is invited to participate. Both256

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