Saint Mark’s Church
1625 Locust Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
215 735-1416
Christ’s Ministry of Healing
Healing people’s sickness, wounds, hurts, and brokenness was a principal feature of Jesus’ ministry, and Christians have always sought the ministry of the living Christ for our healing, including relying on those to whom God has given gifts in the medical professions. But prayer is a part of the healing process too, and offering your prayers to God in your search for healing is certainly appropriate.
We believe that Jesus’ offering of himself for the salvation of the world, was and is his great act of healing, and the power of that act is extended to us every time we celebrate the Mass and receive Communion. Herein is Christ’s primary ministry of healing to us: given day in and day out to his people.
At Saint Mark’s we especially offer prayers for healing at the conclusion of the 12:10 Mass on Wednesdays and Fridays in the Lady Chapel. Following brief prayers, those who wish to may come forward to the altar rail for laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil.
Should you need the ministry of a priest at a time of crisis or emergency, please contact the parish office to be directed to one of the clergy.
A Prayer for Trust in God:
O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the Morning:
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am doing nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
A Prayer for Sleep:
O heavenly Father, you give your children sleep for the refreshing of soul and body: Grant me this gift, I pray; keep me in that perfect peace which you have promised to those whose minds are fixed on you; and give e such a sense of your presence, that in the hours of silence I may enjoy the blessed assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.