A Healing Service for Children

God Heals Us All

Children can suffer emotional and physical pain just as adults do.

We need to respect their privacy - it may be especially difficult for them to name their pain out loud. And we may reassure them that they may ask for healing for others (like their parents) as well as for themselves, and that healing can be for spiritual, emotional, or physical pain.

This service focuses on the joy of healing, remembering that we are healed in order to resume lives of service.

At an outdoor campfire service, guitars and banjos make excellent accompaniment with the alternative hymns.

Making prayer cloths is an appropriate craft to complement this service.

Gathering Hymn Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God With One Voice 783

(Guitar: My Lord What a Morning With One Voice 627)

Greeting and Welcome

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

We gather to hear the word of God, pray for those in need and ask God's blessing on those who seek healing and wholeness through Christ our Lord.

Opening Prayer

Great God our healer,

by your power, the Lord Jesus healed the sick

and gave hope to the hopeless.

As we gather in his name,

look upon us with mercy, and

bless us with your healing Spirit.

Bring us comfort in the midst of pain,

strength to transform our weakness,

and light to illuminate our darkness.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,

our crucified and risen Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen

Dialog

Behold, now is the acceptable time;

now is the day of salvation.

Return to the Lord your God

who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,

and abounding in steadfast love.

God forgives us all our sins

and heals all our infirmities.

God redeems our lives from the grave

and crowns us with mercy and lovingkindness.

God satisfies us with good things,

and our youth is renewed like an eagle's.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me bless his holy name.

Song Dry Bones (Traditional - there are several settings. One is in Wee Sing Silly Songs)

Lesson Ezekiel 37: 1 - 10

Psalm 23 (We may use any translation of the Psalm - this one is from The Message, translated by Eugene Peterson - or we may choose to sing it)

O God, my shepherd!
I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
You find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
You let me catch my breath
And send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through Death Valley,
I'm not afraid when you walk at my side.

Your shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner
Right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
My cup overflows with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me
Every day of my life.

For the rest of my life,
I'm back home in the house of God.

Gospel Hymn I, the Lord of Sea and Sky With One Voice 752

(Guitar: We Are Marching in the Light of God With One Voice 650)

(Or Come, Ye Disconsolate, This Far by Faith 186, a wonderful old hymn)

Gospel Mark 10: 13 - 16

Homily (The pastor may add a short homily)

Prayer for the Healing of Children

Lord Jesus Christ,

Good Shepherd of the sheep,

You gather the lambs in your arms

and carry them in your bosom:

We commend to your loving care this child (name).

Relieve his (her) pain,

guard him (her) from all danger

restore to him (her) your gifts of gladness and strength,

And raise him (her) up to a life of service to you.

Hear us, we pray, for your dear Name's sake.

Amen

Anointing (the pastor may choose to anoint with oil, and he or she may lay both hands on the child's head or on both sides of the child's neck as s/he recites the prayer or blessing, praying for the child by name. The congregation may remain silent during the healing, adding their silent prayers for each child, or they may sing softly.)

Closing Prayer

As you are anointed with this oil,

May God bless you with the healing power of the Holy Spirit

May God forgive you your sins,

release you from suffering,

and restore you to wholeness and strength.

May God deliver you from all evil,

preserve you in all goodness,

and bring you to everlasting life,

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

amen

Sending Hymn Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises With One Voice 722

(Guitar: Send Me, Jesus With One Voice 773)