On first Saturdays at my church after mass, we have healing teams pray with people who are in need of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. I have gone to these prayer teams for years now and today was no different. I often pick a team that already knows my story so that I can jump into the prayer without taking too much time.

I have been having some issues with my PICC line. I am leaking some fluid and I may be wee bit allergic to the adhesives. Since getting it in, I have been back several times to have the nurses look at it. We are making progress and I have added a gauze pad this morning to the outside to soak up and stray liquid. This seems to be helping with the itch. I also am dealing with a sore hand from the IV prior to the PICC line. Yesterday, I had to ask the medical folks to stop touching it. They could see the bump in my hand and it hurts horribly when it is rubbed or patted which is what most people wanted to do as if somehow my complaint was an invitation to poke at it which elicited pain.

As the prayer partners began their ministry to me, I could feel myself relax as they tenderly placed hands on me, avoiding contacting the painful areas. Each of them had a beautiful message for me, affirming and healing. As the prayer drew to a close, I suddenly had an image come to me after one of them prayed that I might be held in the arms of Jesus. The vision was much like that of the Pietà by Michelangelo, pictured above. I was being lifted–I am not sure by what–and placed into the arms of Jesus, in the same manner as Jesus was placed into Mary’s arms after his Crucifixion. I went so willingly and could feel a profound sense of peace as I was laid in Christ’s arms. I am reminded once again of my mantra: God.has.this.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions:

What role does healing prayer have in your life?
Have you ever been moved by an image that has come to you during prayer?

Prayer

God, sometimes I get weary.
I need to simply rest in your arms
and let go of all the burdens.
Thank you to those who minister on your behalf
who make you real and heal us of our wounds.
Bless these angels in human clothing.

Amen.