Cancer Journal #20 Feb 17

     I have some things to say about praying, some more related to cancer than others.  Right now, I am anticipating that it will cover several blog entries.  For those who have no great interest in what I have to say about prayer (which is fine), I'll give you a heads up in the topic entry to the blog.  You can pass them over.

    Let me say one thing before I launch into what I have to say.  I'm told that there are quite a few people praying for my healing, some I don't even know, in other parts of the country.  My general inclination is to stay out of platitudeland.  I don't quite know how to express my thanks and gratitude for that prayer without expressing it as a platitude.  But maybe there should be more important things than making sure I don't set foot in that dread place.  So anyway, for those who have been praying for me, both readers of this blog and anyone else, I do want to express my thanks and gratitude.  There.  That wasn't so bad.

    I have gotten through the first several months since my diagnosis in fine physical shape and in high spirits.  Never knew cancer could be so good!  Very, very possible, I have my well-wishers prayers to thank for that--at least in part.  So again.  Thanks.

    Before closing today, I want to tell a story I heard on the radio long ago, in a prior century.  The program was that rare thing; it was both religious and good.  It was offered to explain why, at times, we might unaccountably be blessed by the Lord.  There was a cleaning lady who worked long hours and had little spare time.  However, she would buy the newspaper so that she could pray for those in it.  She read the death notices and prayed that the Holy Spirit's comfort would be extended to the grieving family.  She read the wedding notices and prayed that the Lord's blessing would be on the marriage.  She read the birth notices and prayed for the good health and successful life of the child.

    I love that story and wish it could be told of me.  Perhaps I could be better about adopting the woman's quick recourse to praying.  

Comments

  1. KaiFebruary 18, 2021 at 5:48 AM

    What a wonderful meditation for the world, prayer. Prayer has so many names and meanings. Holding. Wishing well. Giving strength. Providing love. All which is beautiful. All that can sustain. We flock for you because you are always so generous with it yourself. At least that is how I see it. Love to you

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jan CFebruary 21, 2021 at 6:46 AM

    Looking forward to reading your thoughts on prayer. May we each strive to become more like the woman in your story.

    Sending love to you and Jean.

    ReplyDelete

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