I have been a spiritual care volunteer at our local hospital for 3 years. Every year at Christmas I have a tender heart for all the sick folks that have to stay there. Sometimes spiritual care is listening, or encouraging, or being really honest with someone who is sick. It has been my experience that it is sometimes praying for people.
Today I visited a 93 year old woman who was there because she was old and maybe had pneumonia. I thought I knew what to expect of our visit. Usually when I know what to expect, I'm wrong.
She was very sweet when I introduced myself. She seemed uncomfortable, and I said so. She said that we spend our lives trying to get comfortable, and I agreed. I asked if she was a 'praying kind of lady'. Her eyes lit up when I asked. She looked at me clearly with all her heart and responded, "do you need some prayer this morning?"
It took me a second to understand: she was wondering if she could pray for me. Her question lifted my already cheery spirit. I had to contain my happy laugh, then I said that I was actually there to pray for her, which I did. I prayed for comfort and joy, even though she already had the latter.
It is my hope for you as well. Merry Christmas.
Today I visited a 93 year old woman who was there because she was old and maybe had pneumonia. I thought I knew what to expect of our visit. Usually when I know what to expect, I'm wrong.
She was very sweet when I introduced myself. She seemed uncomfortable, and I said so. She said that we spend our lives trying to get comfortable, and I agreed. I asked if she was a 'praying kind of lady'. Her eyes lit up when I asked. She looked at me clearly with all her heart and responded, "do you need some prayer this morning?"
It took me a second to understand: she was wondering if she could pray for me. Her question lifted my already cheery spirit. I had to contain my happy laugh, then I said that I was actually there to pray for her, which I did. I prayed for comfort and joy, even though she already had the latter.
It is my hope for you as well. Merry Christmas.
No comments:
Post a Comment