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

process of healing that Peter conducted. They may, however, carry out laying on of handsand at times, anointing the affected area or the person‟s head with oil, without expectingimmediate healing but assuming long-term benefit. This does fit into the model of healthseeking behaviour or health promotion activity as described by Ewles and Simnett (2003).For example we may consider the rest of the notes of observation of the healing service inthe URC quoted above:Healing service AThen there was the call for volunteers to receive healing through the laying on of hands.The preacher then recalled his experience of a service where he said ‗someone in themeeting has a problem from very early age and this is to do with forgiveness. After theservice a young man came to him and confessed he fell out with his mother at a very youngage and had never forgiven her.‘This session then took a different approach where the volunteers were asked to show theirhands and the ministers would come to them in the congregation and lay hands on themand pray.The congregation was invited to raise their hand, point to the prayer team and thevolunteer and pray with them. The musician was asked to play the song ‗Be still and knowthat I am God‘, No. 40 from the hymn book.The church elders were invited to join the minister in the laying on of hands for healing.The elders engaged in a group prayer and joining hands with the minister before thelaying on of hands ceremony. The elders were identified by their response to the invitationby the minister to join him for the healing service.267