The sacrament of evangelist blessing is a powerful symbol and unique expression of God’s eternal love and concern for us. The sacrament of evangelist blessing for an individual, congregation, couple, or family includes the following elements:
- Time of spiritual preparation;
- Prayer offered by a member(s) of the Order of Evangelists;
- Access to a written or digital copy of the prayer; and
- Sharing in ongoing reflection on God’s continuous blessings followed by active implementation of what the participant(s) discern as guidance for their lives.
The Process
Purpose
The Evangelist Blessing is a sacred time and space to come closer to God. It is a special prayer of blessing that gives guidance, hope, assurance, and insights to help you on your spiritual journey.
God desires to further bless you with a personal and specific blessing at key moments in your life journey:
- When you are at transition points (graduation, college, marriage, children, divorce, employment decisions, etc.).
- When the big questions of "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose?" occupy your mind and heart.
- When you want to understand God's will for your life.
- When you sense that God is calling you to new pathways.
The blessing most often given is for individuals. However, the sacrament of blessing is also available for congregations, families, and couples.
A blessing need not be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and may be received at various points of need or times of transition.
It is God who blesses through an evangelist, an ordained minister specifically called as a minister of blessing. The evangelist accompanies you as a spiritual coach and companion in this experience.
Preparation
Spiritual preparation by the evangelist(s) as well as by the individual or group is expected, and should be planned for through, among other practices, scripture reflection, conversation, fasting, and prayer. This period of preparation can take several weeks, months, or even a year, depending upon those involved.
During the Sacrament
For a personal blessing, the person is usually seated. The evangelist stands behind the person, places their hands gently on the person’s head, and offers the prayer of blessing.
When a blessing is offered to a group, such as a congregation, couple, or family, one or more evangelists may be involved. The evangelists may place hands on the head of each participant at an appropriate moment in the blessing, assuring that everyone receives the symbolic touch of hands of blessing at some point during the sacrament.
The sacrament may be offered in a home, church, or another location that is important to the participant or group.
After the Sacrament
You will receive a written copy of the prayer offered, and a copy is archived at International Headquarters in Independence, Missouri, USA, per guidelines.
This blessing prayer and experience can be helpful in continuing discernment and discussion with the evangelists. Those receiving blessings often gain new insights and guidance as they dwell with the words and meaning of the blessing throughout their lives.
The process of the blessing does not end with the offering of the prayer but continues in the ongoing relationship between you and the evangelists. Whenever possible, evangelists continue to provide spiritual companionship, presence, and blessing to both the individuals as well as groups involved.
Additional Opportunities
The sacrament includes a prayer of blessing that address the ongoing faith journey and covenant relationship as a couple, family, household, group, or congregation. For more information, please contact us.
For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.