My pastor, D., is a wonderful man. Nate and I went to church today, and Pastor D. said before the service that he would like some time after the service to have some prayer with me. I met with him afterwards. We sat in the front pew of the church and he asked about how things were going with me and how things were going with my mom. He and his wife are leaving town on Thurs. and will be gone until the end of the month and he wanted me to know that in case my surgery will happen while they’re on vacation. He’s let the Associate Pastor know that I may have surgery while he’s gone.

D. and I talked. He asked if my mom’s spirits were still up, and I said that they really weren’t, that she seems to really understand now what’s in store for her. He asked if one of my sisters would be able to come down to help me out when I got out of the hospital, but I said that we weren’t sure; it depends on when I have the surgery because it may coincide with Mom leaving the hospital or Mom being moved to a facility near my sister. It’s all so very complicated. When he asked me what specific things I would like him to pray for, I drew a blank. Then I pretty much threw everything in — Mom, Nate, my surgery to go well, my family of origin, blahblahblah, and I ended up saying something about how everything has gotten so complicated with two of us being sick now. Complicated. Definitely. I explained that Frank won’t have any classes at that time, though, and we’ll mostly need help with Nate at night and we do have support with people in the church and friends of mine that I can call on.

Pastor D. then started praying and I don’t remember exactly what he said, but he always just says the right things in prayer. The tears started coming quietly down my cheeks as he prayed, with him holding tightly onto one of my hands.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“Amen,” I repeated, and I thanked him for the prayer. He gave me a card of his with his information on it, including his cell phone number. He told me that I could call him while he’s on vacation on his cell number and he’ll get back to me. Wow. He must be one of the most compassionate people I know.

He reassures me that the Lord is always with me, every step of the way. I know this is true. My faith has grown so much during this journey, and it sustains me during my darkest days. The dark days actually are fewer because my faith has grown so much. The Holy Spirit holds me up.

On the back of Pastor D.’s card is a scripture with the heading Our Prayer:

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12: 9-13

And the people said:

Amen

Let it be so.

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