Steve Radford

Prayer For a Dying Friend



Posted: Sunday, March 27, 2011

by Steve Radford

Lord… in my minds eye, I can see her lying motionless.  Intravenous pain medication has been her only nutrition for more than two weeks.  The only growing cells in her body are cancer cells.  The cancer cells draw nourishment from healthy cells and with increasing aggressiveness, starve her body.

You see what’s happening.  You don’t just see in your imagining as I do.  You are there.  You recognize the pain.  You understand.  Your Spirit fills the room.

Periodically the effects of the medication wane.  Both pain and awareness return.  In those moments, please provide your peace as a flood.  Help her to focus on you with the intensity reserved for those that suffer greatly and those facing death.  Help her to sense your presence with the anticipation of seeing you very soon.

Help her to realize that she will never again have a lonely moment or a time she needs encouragement.  Bring to her memory the times she encouraged others.  As with the card written years ago, still tucked in the front cover of my Bible.

If we had your perfect perspective and understanding, it would all fit.  Something like “a seed must die before a beautiful plant can emerge”.  But without a complete understanding, we are left to simply trust you.  And we do trust you with her life and our own.

The state of the economy no longer matters.  The bank balance is irrelevant.  In a few decades, years, days or moments we will reach the point she now faces.  Until that time, we trust you alone.  She has trusted you too.  And we know that no one who trusts you will ever be disappointed.  Amen.

Steve Radford was born in Virginia and currently resides in North Texas.  He writes mostly about personal experiences that have shaped his view of the world.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Teresa Ortiz
 1 year 33 days ago.
Steve. I feel your heart. I join you in prayer and give thanks for her life that obviously served the Lord and blessed others. May he usher her in and hear those words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the LORD". Praying for your peace and comfort as well. Blessings to you! Teresa
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