"Are We Going to Pray?"

Recently, I visited one of our members in the hospital. She had just received a sobering diagnosis. I had no sooner entered the room than she shared what the doctor had told her. I had not met her before, but I think she had recognized me as the care pastor from the church before I had the chance to introduce myself.

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Although I have been in previous situations like this many times during the years of my pastoral ministry, it is still difficult to hear such a serious diagnosis. It gave me pause as I observed the pleasant expression on her face. I was gathering my thoughts just as one of the patient’s family came into the room from out of town.

I reintroduced myself as he put some personal items down on a nearby couch. Then, as he made his way over to the loved one’s bedside, he spontaneously asked this question, “Are we going to pray?” I was caught off guard by his prompting, but immediately responded as I put my hat, gloves, and phone down on a chair, “Sure! Let’s do that!” And the three of us joined hands as I prayed a hopeful prayer for the patient and addressed her condition.

You may be wondering what I prayed? I remember affirming that each of us are held secure and protected in the mighty hand of God. I often like to thank God that He is not caught off guard by a doctor’s diagnosis. He knows all about each of us. He is always with us and out in front of our situations so that He is leading and giving wisdom as the Great Physician. I try to thank Him for that guiding and for the doctors, nurses, and technicians that care for us.

One of my favorite affirmations when closing my prayer in settings like this is to quote the promise from the Word that, “God will supply all our needs through His riches in glory in Christ Jesus!” (Philippians 4:19). I concluded the prayer on this occasion by asking the Heavenly Father to help us stand on this promise as we await the final test results and contemplate the next steps going forward.

I have written previous articles about how to make a hospital visit. In one blog, I remember saying to those who are care givers, don’t forget to pray for those you visit. It is the single most important thing that we do and if we do not pray, we have failed to give the best encouragement that can be given. And it is what the patient friend expects and needs the most from us! The patient, the family member, and I for sure, knew the day of my visit that I was there primarily to share a prayer! (Link: Hospital Visiting)

I know what some of you may be thinking. Pastor Mike, has anyone ever refused your offer to pray? And the answer is yes, once! I remember her exact words when I asked if we could pray, “I’d rather you not!” I responded with something like, “Okay. I respect your wishes. Please let us know how we may encourage you in the days to come.” At that I excused myself from the room and prayed all the way down the hall and out of the hospital! The woman did not want me to share a prayer in her presence, but she could not keep me from offering a personal prayer for her as I went on my way.

I have only had that experience once since I started pastoral ministry in 1970! That’s a long time and I can’t count the number of times someone has thanked me for prayers and thoughts at a time of great need! Let’s keep offering to pray for others! And remember, God promises to hear, answer, and intervene in His time and way!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
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