The Tribune

By REV ANGELA PALACIOUS

Types of healing

1. Healing of the Body (Mark 5:25-29 NIV): And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

2. Healing of the Mind (Luke 19: 5-9): (Jesus calls out): “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house.

3. Healing of the Spirit (Luke 9:37-43 NIV): A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. 40 …42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.

4. Healing of Memories: Matt 9:1-4 NIV): Some men brought to him a paralysed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

5. Healing of Relationships (Philemon 1:15-19 NIV): Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

6. Healing of Finances (Mal.3:10 NIV): Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it . There is also a need for wise money management, discipline, clear goals and obtaining sound advice.

Paths to healing

1. Prayer: Cultivating a relationship with God using meditation, petition, books on prayer, hearing healing testimonies and attending retreats.

2. Scripture: Studying the Bible to look for examples of healing with or without faith, with the laying on of hands or from a distance. It is helpful to visualise oneself in the healing situation and to memorise passages (for example in Psalms 23, 37, 131).

3. Silence: To be still and to “Practice the Presence of God” is invaluable.

4. Prayer partner/group: Other persons support you with their presence and prayers.

5. Counselling: Spiritual direction, pastoral counselling and therapy may be necessary for healing to occur.

6. Health, nutrition, exercise, water consumption, rest, and recreation are vital components in a balanced life. If necessary, medication should be used as recommended, though prevention is always better than cure.

7. Healing environment: Enjoying nature (especially the sea or the garden), aromatherapy, plants, pets, tasteful décor, and soft music, can all promote a sense of harmony in the heart and home.

8. Self-talk: A liberal sprinkling of praise, encouragement, the grateful counting of blessings, examination of conscience can all inspire inner transformation.

9. Change of attitude: Forgiveness of self and others, trusting God, embracing prayerfully considered opportunities are just some of the ways to live an abundant life.

• Rev Angela Palacious, a motivational speaker and author of several devotional books, is an Anglican priest. She may be contacted at 393-9000 or by e-mail at angelapalacious@gmail.com.