By Steven Woods
One of the aspects of Spiritualism that has always inspired me is the power of healing. Whether through hands-on healing, absent healing, magnetic healing, or energy healing, we see countless examples of the Spirit World working alongside us to bring comfort, strength, and support to those in need.
As Spiritualists, we often receive requests for healing from people across the country and around the world. Some people experience improvements very quickly, while for others the healing process unfolds over a longer period. Every journey is different, but the principle remains the same: healing is one of the great gifts that Spirit offers humanity.
I have been fortunate to work with healing throughout my life and have witnessed many remarkable outcomes. Yet recently, I found myself reflecting on how differently people sometimes view healing within Spiritualism.
After a service where I had spoken about absent healing (or Distant Healing), a fellow Spiritualist questioned me about it. He explained that he was involved with hands-on healing and seemed unsure about the value of absent healing. I found this interesting because, as mediums and Spiritualists, we regularly witness people asking for healing prayers and healing thoughts to be sent to loved ones who may be hundreds of miles away. In many ways, absent healing is already woven into the fabric of our spiritual practice.
The conversation reminded me that Spiritualism is a vast and beautiful philosophy. It is filled with different gifts, different experiences, and different ways in which Spirit can work through us. No single approach holds all the answers. Instead, we learn from one another and embrace the many ways that divine love can be expressed.
One experience from many years ago at a Spiritualist Church particularly came to mind. During a discussion about healing, I shared a story about thinking of someone I had not spoken to for a long time and then unexpectedly receiving a phone call from them shortly afterwards. Some might call it coincidence, while others might see it as the power of thought reaching beyond physical distance.
A fellow healer asked me whether I genuinely believed thoughts could work in that way. I replied that I believed they could, although none of us can always explain exactly how these things happen.
Then, shortly before Christmas, I began receiving a persistent impression that I should telephone this very same healer. The thought returned repeatedly over several days. Despite feeling prompted, I ignored it and never made the call. When we met again after the holiday period, I mentioned the experience. She simply laughed and replied, “Oh, so it does work then.”
That moment stayed with me because it illustrated something important. Our thoughts matter.
When we think of someone with love, compassion, and concern, those thoughts carry meaning. When we pray for someone, send healing, or simply hold them in our hearts, we are directing positive energy towards them. Whether they are struggling physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually, our loving intentions can make a difference.
This is not something reserved only for trained healers or mediums. Every single person has the ability to send loving thoughts. Every person can pray. Every person can focus on another human being and wish them strength, comfort, and peace. The Spirit World works with those loving intentions and helps amplify them in ways we may never fully understand.
As Spiritualists, we believe that love is one of the most powerful forces in existence. A kind thought, a heartfelt prayer, or a moment spent holding someone in the light can have a greater impact than we realise.
So today, I encourage you to think of someone who may need support. Send them your love. Hold them in your prayers. Trust that your thoughts are heard and that Spirit is working alongside you.
Even the smallest act of love can bring healing.
God bless.
This article was drafted by ChatGPT from a transcript of Steven Woods’ address at our service on 31st May 2026. Edited by humans.
