This order may be used by individuals, families, or small groups, as indicated by the options in the prayer texts below. If anointing with oil is to occur, a small amount of oil will be needed before the service begins. This text is available as a PDF download below.

Opening

May almighty God grant us a quiet night and peace at the last.

Amen.

It is good to give thanks to you, O God,
to sing praise to your name, O Most High;
to herald your love in the morning,
your truth at the close of the day.

Evening Hymn

(See especially United Methodist Hymnal 682, 684, 687, or 692)

Prayer of Reflection and Confession

Gracious God,
as darkness draws this day to a close,
may we remember with gratitude
your gifts and your presence, signs of your blessing.

Silence for reflection.

Divine Healer,
touch my/our memories so that I/we may see your holy work
in our lives and in the world:
the easing of pain,
the healing of memories,
the recovery from wounds.
With songs of praise or quiet thanks, may I/we praise you.

Silence for reflection.

Loving God,
with the light of Christ as my/our guide.
take me/us through this day
and help me/us to see the sins of which I/we are ashamed.

Silence for reflection.

Holy and compassionate God,
reconcile, renew, and restore me/us by your grace,
that I/we may rest in peace.

Words of Assurance

By the mercy of God, we are united with Jesus Christ,
and in Christ we are forgiven and made whole.
We rest now in God’s love
and rise in the morning to serve our Creator.

Psalm

A psalm is said or sung. Suggested psalms include Ps. 4, 13, 23, 31.1-5, 91, 103, or 134.

A moment of silence follows the psalm.

Scripture Reading

One of the healings stories from the New Testament is read. Matthew 8:5-13, 14-17, 9:2-8, Mark 1:21-34, 5:25-34, Luke 7:1-10, 11-17, John 4:46-54, 5.1-9, James 5:13-16, or others may be used.

Silent Reflection on the Reading

Prayer

Let us pray (said by one person or in unison):

Although there are wounds within us, O Christ,
above all there is the miracle of your mysterious
and compassionate presence among us.
Thus, made lighter or even set free,
we journey gratefully with you from one discovery to another.
Thanks be to God. Amen.

Blessing of the Oil

(if oil is to be used for anointing):

Let us pray:
O God, the giver of health and salvation,
we give thanks to you for the gift of oil.
As our holy apostles anointed many who were sick and healed them,
pour out your Holy Spirit on us and on this gift,
that those who in faith and repentance receive this anointing
may be made whole;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Laying on of Hands and Anointing with Prayer

During the laying on of hands and anointing, as simple song such as “Spirit of the Living God” UMH 393, or “There is a balm in Gilead” UMH 375, may be sung.

Laying on of hands:

Spirit of the Living God,
fall afresh on your servant (insert name)
that he/she/they may be healed and strengthened
in mind, body, and spirit;
in the name of Jesus Christ.

Words of anointing:

God enfold you; Christ embrace you; Spirit surround you.

Where laying on of hands and/or anointing is not physically possible, such as when participants are visible on screen, all may raise their hands in a simple gesture of blessing. The above prayer may be used, or the following words may be said:

Receive the sign of Christ’s healing. Go in peace.

Canticle of Simeon

(Luke 2:29-32, said or sung—United Methodist Hymnal 225 and 226)

Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace:
your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.

Closing Prayer and Blessing

Watch now, O Christ, with those who work, or watch, or weep tonight,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend your sick ones, rest your weary ones,
bless your dying ones, soothe our suffering ones,
pity your afflicted ones, shield the joyous,
and all for your love’s sake.

May the love of Christ surround you/us as you/we go in peace.

Amen.

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This service is adapted from Upper Room Worshipbook (Nashville: Upper Room, 2007), 28-30.  Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version. Used by permission.