PRAYER IS NO EMPTY GESTURE

"God's presence is nowhere more active, unmistakable, or comforting than in the lives of sick and dying patients... I want to lift people's hopes with the certainty that God truly has a plan for all of us and that prayer is no empty gesture but the means by which we communicate with God and understand His plan for our lives."

Dr. Mark Sheehan, a retired cardiologist in metro Denver, wrote those words in his book Healing Prayer on Holy Ground (p. 4).

His words have proved true in my life and ministry. That is one reason I am not only committed to caring for the sick and dying but I am convinced of the value and privelege of praying with those I care for. For much of my ministry, this seemed like the dirty work. Teaching, preaching and leadership development were the desired and esteemed tasks. These tasks do matter, but I have come to feel as if I am on sacred ground when I am caring for the widow, the orphan, the marginalized, the poor, the sick and the dying.

Since it is holy ground, it is a time and place for prayer. We can seek God, listen to God, bring the needs and request to the creator of the universe and the one who became incarnate to be with us. He makes himself approachable. We can respond to that invitation.

We can pray silently for the person we caring for, those surrounding them, and depending on circumstance, the medical staff tending to their clinical needs. We can secretely pray for ourselves that we we will care effectively with listening and compassion.

Many time, perhaps most times, the patient desires for us to pray for them.

It is best to get permission to pray.

I ask in a way that helps me be sure the patient wants me to pray, something like,

"I will say a prayer if you want me to," instead of "would you like me to pray?" There is great benefit, personally and spiritually, for the person or the family to ask for the prayer. Of the many hundreds of clinical, in home and church situations when I have asked that question, less than a handful have not wanted prayer!

Dr. Sheehan goes on to say,

"I believe the room of a dying patient is  holy ground  in which I should almost remove my shoes.

• The conversations,
• the anguish,
• the confessions,
• the tears,
• the acceptance,
• the peace
• and the prayers....

are uniquely memorable and healing. My belief in the power of prayer in particular has been consistently strengthened by what I've seen has truly been a privilege to be a witness and humble practitioner alongside my patients."

But, even though prayer is an amazing gift from God that can be used by a child, it is also a skill that can be sharpened, practiced and developed. It is especially important in a care setting.

Many are uncomfortable praying outloud. Knowing when and how to pray for the sick and dying is especially challenging and rewarding. I hope this post will help you have confidence as you care and pray for people who needs God's care.