A Moment of Great Power

I was intrigued by the subject matter of this book. The more I read, the more I was convinced that the concept of generational healing as Fritsch explains it has value in pastoral ministry. By the time I finished the book, I could name several pastoral experiences of my own in which Fritsch's book would have been a valuable resource and guide. Throughout, the author builds upon a body of case studies to show that prayer has the power to "forgive, heal and restore others to wholeness." Admittedly, this is not an original concept; what is distinctive is that the book underscores the power of sacramental and corporate prayer as a means of benefit for the living as well as the dead. Fritsch draws upon a broad range of closely-examined personal experience from varied pastoral contexts and then weaves together a conceptual framework using Scripture, theology, Anglican tradition, church history, and family systems theory. The author then invites the reader to consider that the Church's authorized healing liturgies are a means through which remarkably deep emotional, spiritual and physical healing may take place. Fritsch points out that calling upon the communion of saints and the angels of God to assist us in removing the effects of evil and sin is justifiable historically, scripturally and theologically. I was anxious to get to the chapter that outlines how to conduct a service of generational healing. I was not disappointed. The author explains the process step-by-step, emphasizing both the need for confidentiality and the inclusion of appropriate friends and relatives in the service. The point made is not that the service is exotic, but that it is thoughtful. Rather than a definitive study of the subject, this book serves as an introduction to generational healing. The subject could benefit from more biblical and theological reflection than Fritsch was able to devote. However, the book does not claim to exhaust the study but to establish a foundation. Despite this need, I heartedly recommend the book for persons - lay and ordained - who are involved in a ministry of sacramental healing. (The Rev.) David M. Affleck Sacramento, CA