SOZO - the Greek word which means to heal, cure, to make well; to rescue from danger, to save; to cause something to change to an earlier, correct or appropriate state; to renew.

SOZO focuses on the healing of the whole person and invites participants not only to become familiar with Christian healing prayer but to be open to experiencing the healing and restoring power of God personally through prayer, in sacraments, in worship, in Scripture, in creation, and in the myriad ways in which the love of God comes to us. In Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are "ransomed, healed, restored, and forgiven"; thus, we who are in the process of being healed and transformed can become agents of reconciliation and healing in every sphere of life.

PROGRAM

The SOZO School of Christian Healing Prayer is offered for those who seek healing and wholeness in mind, body, spirit, and relationships. Participants study Holy Scripture, the history of this ministry, its place in Church tradition, and contemporary practices of Chirstian healing prayer. Opportunities to receive healing prayer are made available during most class sessions and in other venues at Richmond Hill.

CALENDAR

An overview of Christian Healing Prayer begins the semester in an overnight retreat on Sept 22-23, 2011. Then weekly sessions follow on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9pm. Each evening begins with the prayer of the Richmond Hill Community, followed by supper at 6:30pm. Class sessions are from 7:30 to 9pm. Each class session includes presentation on a particular topic, group discussion, and an experience of healing prayer.

The second semester begins with an overnight retreat on January 21-22, 2012, followed by nine weekly sessions around the theme of inner healing (e.g., our identity in Christ as Beloved Child, healing of past hurts, listening to God, etc.).

A third semester based on special topics begins Thursday, April 12, 2012 and concludes after seven evenings with an overnight retreat on May 31-Jun 1, 2012.

Applicants will meet with the Dean and/or one of our faculty members prior to acceptance. Please note that every effort will be made to create a group balanced by denomination, gender, and race. The class is limited to 20 participants. Cost for the class is $730. Scholarships are available to those who qualify.

VISION

Aware of our woundedness, we seek to experience and extend to others the healing love of Jesus Christ, and to reclaim the wholeness God intended for all our lives. We believe that God intends inner healing for all persons, and that through inner healing, other healings are often enabled to take place. This program provides an introduction to Christian healing prayer and training for those who feel called to the ministry of healing prayer and to those who would like to experience healing in their own lives.

FACULTY

The SOZO faculty includes both clergy and lay members of the Richmond Hill healing prayer team. All have had extensive training and experience in the healing prayer ministry.

"The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.... Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." --Luke 4:18-19, 21