We All Can Use Prayer

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Friday, November 18, 2016

We All Can Use Prayer

Know the experience of having a seriously ill loved one in the hospital? Yeah, me, too.

I am in that exact position, right now. An elderly relative is in hospice care right now. Yes, it is sad. Came into town a few weeks ago, and did not look good then. After a trip to the hospital, and a stint in rehab, back to the hospital five days ago. And just three days ago, in hospice. The situation has been changed (Upgraded? Downgraded?) to terminal.

All of which is relatively fast, for a time frame. (I ought to know, since as a former chaplain, I have some familiarity with hospitals. Not as much as some, of course, but I have more than a nodding acquaintance.)

Yes, it is different when it’s my loved one in the hospital. Except, it isn’t. Not really. Almost like I did in the hospital with a family in ICU with a patient who was actively dying. Except for my family, it’s like I’m on 24-hour call just in case, with my ears wide open for any notice or call.

I still pray for the situation, and for the medical staff, and for the family and loved ones. I still am concerned for all of the long-distance friends. (Except, in this case, I am intimately acquainted with all of those concerned.) I still am there for others, whether they want to talk, or just have me be there, with them.

I repeat—it is incredibly sad.

Let us pray. Dear God, who holds the universe in the span of Your hand, You hold each of us in that same loving hand. We come before You with a multitude of hurts, of fears and anxieties, of pains and aches and untenable situations. We unload them here before You, dear God. Dear Holy Comforter, we ask that You come alongside of all those who grieve, who mourn, and who are hurting. Dear Heavenly Physician, we pray You may assist all those under the care of medical personnel. And, please—God—be with my loved ones as they gather together. I pray for the hands that touch that dear loved one—help all the hands to be loving, caring, thorough, and knowledgeable. Lastly, dear God, be with me. Help me to be there (in Your presence) for others as much as I am for myself. Dear Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my companion blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

Pray, Pray, and Pray Some More

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Pray, Pray, and Pray Some More

Just sent out the prayer email of the week to my congregation. Lots to pray about!

Praise God for so many things, including a little baby finally coming home from the hospital! Please remember those who are shut ins, those who are sick at home, in the hospital and in care centers.

And, while we are at it, pray for those who are especially on your hearts.

Pray. Pray. And, thank God for prayer, that we are invited into God’s throne room of grace.

Amen.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza #PursuePEACE.  And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is Forgiveness

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, March 5, 2016

PEACE is Forgiveness

Several days ago, I visited the senior group at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Morton Grove to speak to them about PEACE. I talked briefly about how much division there was in our world today. Our country seems filled with animosity, anger, fighting—and in need of PEACE.

I gave a small presentation about the lack of PEACE and what we can do about it. Several ideas about how to lessen the animosity between people and between groups of people.

I also gave them some background on my Pursuing PEACE Project, and asked if any of the seniors would be willing to give me their personal definition of PEACE. Today’s definition comes from a dear senior named Diane Urban, who said “Peace is forgiveness.”

According to Diane, “Peace is one thing you can’t find in a family, sometimes. Peace in relationships, in a family, is very important. Especially when people are sick.”

How right she is! I served as a chaplain in hospitals and care centers for almost ten years. I would see some families having difficulties with one another. When one family member was a patient in the hospital, it would happen that the other family members would bicker and argue. I could understand! Having a significant member of one’s family in the hospital for some time can be particularly stressful. Not only for the patient, but for the other family members, too.

Diane, God’s blessings on you and your family. And, may God bless all families going through difficult, unforgiving times. Lord, in Your mercy, hear all of our prayers.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er