The call and challenge of Prayer for Healing

AS RECTOR of Newcastle and Newtownmountkennedy with Calary, in County Wicklow, and Archdeacon of Glendalough, I have also for the past six years had the honour of being the chair and chaplain of the Church’s Ministry of Healing committee in the united dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough.

AS RECTOR of Newcastle and Newtownmountkennedy with Calary, in County Wicklow, and Archdeacon of Glendalough, I have also for the past six years had the honour of being the chair and chaplain of the Church’s Ministry of Healing committee in the united dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough. My experience of healing ministry has been a journey of discovery and enrichment. I was very new to the idea of healing prayer when I was fi rst approached about taking on this job, as it was not something that I had experienced growing up in a small rural parish. But I am so glad that I accepted the invitation when it was offered. It has been such a privilege to be involved in encouraging and growing the amazing work carried out by the Church’s Ministry of Healing: Ireland.

I was appointed before the Covid 19 pandemic arrived, with the ensuing restrictions that so radically altered the way we lived our lives and brought the need for healing to the front of our awareness. Some might ask why we still need to help people pray for healing. But people were threatened by serious illness before the pandemic, whether physical or mental, and many found healing through prayer. There is always huge need for healing, for companionship and support in prayer, as people continue to face the stress, strain and worries of their lives..

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Ross Styles

Is Archdeacon of Glendalough and rector of Newcastle and Newtownmountkennedy with Calary.