Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Dear God,

I don't usually pray daily for hospital patients. I do include them among the sick; however, I don't often pray for doctors, nurses and technicians. Today was different. My friend, a pastor, had become a patient.

Four ministers circled 'round. Our colleague was having a heart catheterization. One emergency occurred delaying her procedure, then a second. It was two hours later that they finally wheeled her in. Her husband was obviously nervously. He's an exceptional husband to Cindy.

Our time of waiting was scary, like any other. But we used the time to reminisce special time together. We recalled coming together as a covenant group, traveling on pilgrimage to France for renewal, inviting our spouses to join us for the trip, going on retreats, challenging one another to faith and growth. Sometimes we were nearly bent over in laughter by recalling funny incidents. I'm surprised they didn't throw us out. But we like other family members remained glued while waiting.

As pastors, preachers and teachers we are taught the art of waiting, listening, attending. Like doctors we learn bedside manner (they don't call it that but you get the point) and how to care for patients. We are taught to set aside our own feelings to attend to the patient's emotions, fears and concerns but Cindy was family. We fell into the same category as family members.

Each one of my covenant group has taken a turn in the hospital. I've certainly had my fair share. And we (they) have always been present for one another. We pray, share, help, love, and care for one another. God knows how I have counted on that. You have been the greatest presence in the room. We have had to wait for word before wondering if our dear friend would be okay.

When I visit patients in the hospital I personally take the opportunity to pray for every employee of the hospital, for every patient, and their personal needs. I pray that you will guide their work, bring comfort, and hope. When Cindy's doctor came to discuss her "case" with us, he shared that he had been walking past her bed after a visit to another patient when we were praying. "That's good," he said, "that was very good." Cindy told him we had prayed for him as well. He was pleased.

I was reminded again today that we all play a part in another's healing. We wanted Cindy to be healed of any malady and we took the opportunity to pray for the healing of those around her as well. In the end Cindy got good news. I can only pray that our prayers helped others as well.

Thank you
for Cindy's good report.
We are grateful.
I continue to pray
for all others
who suffer,
especially those
for whom no one prays.
May your son
walk among all the sick today,
I pray.

Love, Andrea