Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, March 22, 2015
Fifth Sunday in Lent – Number our Days, in Prayer
I have visited hospitals and a hospice myself during the past few weeks, so I have been thinking about serious illness and death. On top of that, I am currently walking with and praying with several acquaintances as they prepare to transition from this world to the next. I try to be supportive to their families and loved ones, as well, offering to do what I can. Sometimes, I sit quietly in the room beside the family as they prepare for the transition. Whatever they might need, I try to supply it.
Several days ago, I attended a panel discussion sponsored by Life Matters at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The discussion centered on end-of-life concerns. I was particularly interested in how the representatives on the panel came from different religious groups, yet had so much in common when having end-of-life discussions. The most poignant remark (and my take-away for the evening) came from my acquaintance Rabbi Joe Ozarowski with Jewish Child and Family Services. He quoted his mentor: “Everyone has an expiration date.”
So true! Especially at such a thoughtful season of the year as the Lenten season, it is good to consider our mortality. As I am reminded by Psalm 90, teach us to number our days. For a few days more! In just a matter of days, Lent will have come and gone, Palm Sunday and Holy Week will be past, and the blessed celebration of Easter will once again be here.
I am encouraging us all to consider our expiration date in the revealing light of Lent as well as the blessed light of Easter. Yes, these are serious things to consider. However, we can make each day count by numbering our days.
Dear God, allow each of us to come before You in spirit and in truth. Help each one to be aware of our human-ness and our mortality. I think those are good things to consider, prayerfully. Dear Jesus, help each of us to remember You and Your journey to Jerusalem as Lent comes to a close. For each of us, please provide the knowledge, opportunities and experience each of us needs to not only live, but to flourish. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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