We believe that when one of God’s people is ill in body, mind, or spirit, God is even more eager than we are for that person to be restored to health and to get back to the work God is calling them to do. For over two thousand years, Christians have found it helpful to pray together for God’s gift of healing. 

Holy Unction is the rite whereby the sick or someone praying on behalf of the sick is anointed with oil for spiritual and bodily healing. Oil was chosen as the outward symbol because it has from ancient times been a healing agent and a sign of God’s favor and blessing. The sacramental rite proclaims God’s power to heal the whole person. When it is administered to people who desire healing, the oil of Holy Unction can help to predispose their minds to health and hope, and to center their trust in God, the Great Physician.

In Holy Unction, we anoint the person for whom we are praying with oil, an ancient sign of God’s healing power. The sign of the cross is made on the forehead, reminding us of the anointing done at baptism when we are “sealed by the Holy Spirit…and marked as Christ’s own forever.” This prayer is often accompanied by the Laying on of Hands, a simple ceremony in which the presiding priest (and a number of lay people, if available) place their hands on the head of the sick person or intercessor. 

Healing prayer is offered frequently in hospitals, homes, and offices.

At St. Stephen's, it also is available at the Saturday evening service (5:00 pm). People who wish may approach the Altar and receive the Laying on of Hands.
The priest uses a light oil to make the sign of a cross on the person's forehead, places his hands on the person's head, and says a soft, personal prayer. This portion of the service is immediately followed with the Passing of the Peace when people shake hands and exchange brief greetings with each other.