26.06.2019
‘Never Underestimate the Power of Prayer’ – Church’s Ministry of Healing Thanksgiving Service
The Church’s Ministry of Healing held their annual Service of Thanksgiving and gift day at Christ Church, Celbridge, on Sunday (June 23). The service was celebrated by the Rector, the Revd Stephen Neill, with the Revd Lesley Robinson. The speaker was Healthcare Chaplain, Hilda Plant.
Hilda, who is a Chaplain in St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, said it was important to her to acknowledge the work of the Ministry of Healing. She recalled when her son was in hospital and said she was certain that it was the prayers of others that carried the family through the life and death situation. She said it was only some years later when she was training in clinical pastoral education that she acknowledged the miracle that her son had been completely healed and said the power of prayer must never be underestimated.
Using the theme of a river, she outlined the work of healthcare chaplains and in particular her role in a hospital setting. “We accompany those in need. We journey with them through the meanderings and the rapids and help them through the writhing waters that come with uncertainty, diagnosis or end of life care. We are privileged to assist with the spiritual and emotional care of family and staff and in entering the space of the patient’s world as they navigate the waters of uncertainty most often emerging stronger, more aware of the links that surround them and of their unique role,” she explained.
She said the ministry of chaplaincy brought them to people who are immersed, often quietly, with traditional Church of Ireland liturgies of Holy Communion, Psalms, Collects, readings and hymn singing. Where different people find comfort is unique to them, she commented.
“Chaplaincy above all is about listening – hearing that which is spoken but most especially I think reading behind that which is not named, if appropriate helping people to name where they’re at – supporting, caring, holding in prayer or holding open a space to help them look at the landscape of their own lives. It’s always non–judgemental, non–threatening and always respectful,” Hilda said.
The Ministry of Healing, she stated, are a key to meeting the needs of so many. Each person involved in the ministry forms a huge part in assisting as intercessors and she gave thanks for the immense gift of prayer and faith.