Lord God,
How blessed to know You are here with me
in this place of turmoil.

My journey, Lord, is focused on
another's plight, another's needs, another's illness.
And I'm thankful that I can be here
to walk beside the one I love,
and to provide a sense of comfort and well-being.

But God, I'm aware that this disruption is costly,
both to my loved one and to me,
leaving us both feeling out of sorts,
out of control,
like a newborn colt on wobbly legs
in a place we don't call home.

I'm mindful of others who waited, who served
and found Your open arms and listening ears
a pool of refreshing water in a dry and thirsty place.
Faith strugglers, such as:
The widow whose son needed Elijah's breath
The midwife present at the birth of Jacob and Esau
David keeping a constant vigil over his newborn
The woman anointing Jesus' soon to be crucified feet
Peter's family caring for his ill mother-in-law.

For the times I get discouraged, weary of a world
confined to bedpans, washcloths, and injections,
I ask for Your loving intervention,
Your reminders of the goodness of life here and beyond.
On those days when I don't even know for what to pray,
bless me with the gentle nudges that whisper to do my best,
and to allow You to do Your part.

Thank you for those family, friends, and medical staff
who shoulder much of the weight,
who help keep my loved one and me
steady, focused, and affirmed.

Lord God, hear my prayer,
Give us healing, give us rest, give us life.
In the Name of the Ultimate Healer,
Amen.

--Virgil Fry
From: Disrupted:
Finding God in Illness and Loss
Copyright 21st Century Christian, 1999