Healing Liturgy for Women

How might an Episcopal church respond to the recent slights against women in the news? How might our congregants be feeling as degrading words wash over them? How might old wounds be activated and how might we care for those in varying degrees of distress over recent public discourse? St. Peter’s, Del Mar responded by creating a safe space and a healing liturgy for women. You can view the Word version here. If you have questions, please contact the Rev. Paige Blair, rector.

A Time for Prayer and Healing

A Prayer for Boundaries (Women’s Uncommon Prayers, Ms. Barbara Hughes)
O God, you set upon our borders sentinels who are never silent and watchers who never sleep; guard and protect the boundaries of my soul. You shelter us under the shadow of your wings; create within me a safe place in which to heal. Speak tenderly to my spirit, Holy One, and teach me to stand upright in the center of my being. Comfort my fear, that I may walk freely within my own sanctuary, and become a place of welcome to those who come in peace. This I pray in the name of your dear child, Jesus. Amen.

The minister says
Like the first disciples
before the coming of God’s power at Pentecost,
we wait in faith, and pray.
Silence
Be with us, Holy Spirit;
nothing can separate us from your love.
Be with us as of old,
fill us with your power,
direct all our thoughts to your goodness.
Be present, Holy Spirit;
bring faith and healing and peace.

Silence
The Lord is here.
God’s Spirit is with us.

Psalm 37 v. 1-7, 9-17 (Prayed in Unison)
1  Do not fret because of the wicked:
    or envy those who do evil.
2 For they will soon dry up like the grass:
    and wither like the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good:
    then you shall dwell in the land,
    and there find safe pasture.
4 Find your delight in the Lord:
    and the Lord will give you your heart’s desire.
5 Commit your life to the Lord:
    put your trust in the one who will act for you,
6 so that the justice of your cause‿
    will break forth as the light:
    your righteousness like the sun at noon.
7 Be still before the Lord, and wait in patience:
    do not grieve at the prosperity of
    those who follow evil purposes.
9 Those who do evil shall perish:
    but those who wait for the Lord shall possess the land.
10 A little while, and the wicked shall be no more:
     look well, and you will find their place is empty.
11 But the humble shall possess the land:
     and enjoy the fullness of peace.
12 The wicked have evil designs on the just:
     and grind their teeth at the sight of them.
13 But the Lord shall laugh at the wicked:
     for the Most High sees that their time is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow:
     to strike down the poor and needy,
     and to slay those who walk uprightly.
15 Their sword shall pierce their own hearts:
     and their bow shall be broken in pieces.
16 The little that the righteous have:
     is better than the riches of the wicked.
17 The power of the wicked shall be broken:
     but the Lord will uphold the righteous.

The Laying on of Hands
The minister, with any others invited, in silence lays hands on the person(s); then, using the name if desired, may say these or other words.
In the name of God most high,
we pray that you receive Christ’s healing touch
to make you whole
in body, mind and spirit.
The power of God strengthen you,
the love of God dwell in you,
and give you peace.
Amen.

The Anointing
The minister dips a thumb in the holy oil and makes the sign of the cross on the person’s forehead, saying
N, I anoint you with this holy oil.
Receive Christ’s healing.
The power of the Savior who suffered for you
flow though your mind and body,
lifting you to peace and inward strength.
Amen.

When the anointing is completed, said together
God our healer,
keep us aware of your presence,
support us with your power,
comfort us with your protection,
give us strength,
and establish us in your peace.
AMEN.